Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

EN-410 and EN-411 (or the equivalent) must be completed or taken during the same semester.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the class, the student will
  • be able to describe and explain how literary texts, both in form and content, communicate and throw critical light on traumatic experiences
  • be able to analyze the relationship between literature, history and memory
  • be able to identify and explain trauma as a phenomenon

Contents

This course will investigate how literature both responds to, and helps us understand the nature of, experiences of loss and political violence. Through close readings of important literary works in dialogue with key texts concerning the phenomenon of trauma, it will address how literature relates to extreme historical experiences. Trauma as a concept will be made subject to critical investigation, and the singular challenge trauma poses to processes of representation, memory and reconciliation will be given scrutiny.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars: Estimated workload: Approximately 400 hours.

Examination requirements

The student must have gained a pass grade on all obligatory tasks in order to be eligible to take the exam. An overview of the obligatory tasks will be given on Canvas at the start of the term.

Examinations

Portfolio exam. Graded assessment. More detailed information about the content of the portfolio and the weighting of its elements will be given on Canvas at the start of the term.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to avalibility.

Admission for external candidates

No

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
EN-468 – Literature and political trauma. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 5:55:57 AM