Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

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 successful completion of the course, students are able to:

• describe and explain how literary texts, both in form and content, communicate and throw critical light on traumatic experiences
• analyse the relationship between literature, history and memory
• 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 selected 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. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is 270 hours.

Examination requirements

All obligatory tasks must be approved in order to be eligible to take the exam. An overview of the obligatory tasks will be given 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 at the start of the term.

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

Identical to the admissions requirements for the programme.

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 10:06:17 AM