ENG4550 – Theory and Method in American and British Studies

Course content

In this course, we study the theory and methods used within American and British Studies. The course is designed to provide master’s students with the theoretical and methodological basis they need for deciding on the project for their master’s thesis and for carrying out their research. The reading will introduce how scholars think and write and what concepts, sources, and methods that drive American and British Studies. A central theme throughout the course is to compare and contrast the study of the United States with that of the United Kingdom.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of the course, you: 

• can identify the central theoretical questions raised within American and British Studies. 
• can analyse the theory and methods used by scholars working within relevant disciplines and traditions, 
• can analyse central research questions in the study of the USA and the UK. 

Admission to the course

This course is only available for students admitted to the program European Languages: study option "American and British Studies" or the LeP- program.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with NORAM4550 – Theory and Method in North-American-studies (continued).

Teaching

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

Obligatory activity:

• Draft versions of the portfolio assignments must be submitted at specified times during the semester.
• 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.

If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.

If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.

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

All obligatory activities must be approved for you to sit the exam. Approved obligatory attendance and assignments are only valid the semester you attend the course.

Examination

The form of assessment is a portfolio consisting of several works, totaling a maximum of 15 pages (one standard page equals 2300 characters).

Examination support material

Note that Chicago style footnotes/endnotes (not in-text notes) is the standard in our field.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in 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 portfolio or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

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