EN-468 Literature and political trauma (Autumn 2022)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Course Leader:
- Henrik Martin Hansen Torjusen
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
- Translation and Professional Communication, Master's programme
- Master's Programme in English
Teaching language
English
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that EN-455-1 has been completed or is taken during the same semester.
Learning outcomes
Upon succesful completion of the course, student will have knowledge of
- key theories of trauma
- ways of applying theories of trauma in the analysis of literature
- a selection of important literary works
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- describe and explain how literary texts, both in form and content, communicate and throw critical light on traumatic experiences
- analyze the relationship between literature, history and memory
- identify, explain and discuss 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 270 hours.
Examination requirements
Students must have gained a pass grade on an in-class presentation in order to be eligible to take the exam.
Examinations
The exam consists of two parts: An essay that makes up 40% of the final grade and a 7 day’s individual home exam that will make up 60%. Required essay length is 2,500 words. Required word count for the home exam is 3,000 words. Graded assessment. Both parts of the exam must receive passing grades to pass the course.
Student evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
Offered as a free-standing course
Yes. Subject to avalibility.
Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course
Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in English.
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-436 – Literature and political trauma. | 10 |
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 8:10:53 AM