ENG4412 – Travel Literature in English

Course content

Travel writing is an engaging and expanding field of study. This course will discuss a selection of fictional and non-fictional texts which can all be subsumed under the broad category of `travel literature`. Focusing on narrative technique, structure, thematics, and generic variants and characteristics, the course will consider a number of travel narratives from the eighteenth century onwards. Paying attention to elements of history and context, the course is text-oriented. Since the issue of narrative looms large in travel writing, and since travel is a key concept in postcolonial studies, references will be made to narrative theory as well as postcolonial theory.

Learning outcome

One significant aim of the course is to acquire knowledge about the studied texts and about an important and popular literary genre. A related aim is to develop the student`s ability to analyse and discuss travel narratives in the light of, and aided by, relevant theory.

Admission to the course

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.

This course is for students admitted to the master programmes European Languages (master) and Lektorprogrammet (masterspesialisering i engelsk).

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Admission to the master program in European Languages, LeP or other suitable master programs.

Teaching

Seminars, 2 hours per week for 12 weeks. 24 hours in all.

Obligatory activity:

  • A first draft of the term paper turned in by a stated deadline.

The obligatory activity must be approved for you to sit the exam. An approved obligatory assignment is only valid the semester you attend the course.

Examination

The form of assessment is a term paper of 12-15 standard pages (a standard page consists of 2,300 characters).

Language of examination

English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 10:40:26 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring and autumn

The course is last held spring 2020

Examination
Spring and autumn .

Examination is last held spring 2020

Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages