Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: upon successful completion of this course students are able to
• understand significant developments within literary theory in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries
• understand ways in which meaning in literary works depends on the critical approach
• understand the processes and results of literary analysis from different theoretical perspectives
• understand ways in which theoretical perspectives may be critically applied and incorporated in the writing of literary master’s theses (cf. alternative A)
• understand principles of didactic research methods and theories of teaching/learning in cultural studies (cf. alternative B)

Skills: upon successful completion of this course students are able to
• apply concepts from literary theory and literary criticism in the analysis and interpretation of texts
• locate critical literature of various kinds and evaluate and use such material in the interpretation of literary texts
• add theoretical insight to the literary analysis in their master’s theses
• critically select and apply theoretical perspectives relevant for their master’s theses (cf. alternative A)
• critically analyse texts tied to history, politics, culture, and didactics, and apply relevant methods and theories in culture studies and the didactics of culture (cf. alternative B)

Contents

This course is a key preparatory course for independent work on master's theses and consists of two parts. The main part, roughly 75%, provides an introduction to a variety of modes of critical interrogation that have come to be called "theory": structuralism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, Marxism, postcolonial theory, gender and queer theory, for example. The course will also examine the relations among theory, literary criticism, and the humanities. Students may for the second part, roughly 25%, choose between alternatives A and B. Alternative A provides a continued focus on literary theory and literary criticism, but as applied to practical challenges of researching and writing a literary master’s thesis. Alternative B provides an introduction to theories and methods in culture studies and didactics.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

One compulsory essay (ca. 1000 words) must be approved.

Examinations

Individual oral examination. Graded assessment.

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, if there are places available.

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-410 – Literary Theory. 7.5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 10:05:57 AM