ENG2302 – Early 20th Century Literature in English

The first half of the 20th century was a turbulent and transformative period for American and British culture. Women and men began to define themselves in very different ways, and one of the tools they used to redefine themselves was literature.

The novels, short stories, and poetry of the early 20th century critiqued existing forms of identity, suggested new alternative forms, and provided readers with a space in which to reflect on the ways in which they might transform themselves and their surroundings.

This course will explore some of the forms American and British literature took during the first half of the 20th century, and it will consider the continuing relevance of these texts to our contemporary situation.

After completing this course, you:

• have a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between literary texts and social structures,
• know the cultural, political, and stylistic protocols of modernism and its various literary movements,
• can read texts closely, and know how to read both formal and thematic aspects of texts as part of larger cultural and historical movements.

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. 20 hours in all.

Obligatory activities:

• A qualifying essay of 4-5 pages. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements.Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
• It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.

The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.

In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accommodations

Fulfilled course requirements are only valid for the current semester.