EN-476 Literature and the Visual Arts (Autumn 2025)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Course Leader:
- Charles Ivan Armstrong
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- 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
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that EN-455 has been completed or is taken during the same semester.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students have
• in-depth knowledge of important literary works
• insight into different critical approaches to the relationship between literature and the visual arts
• detailed knowledge of standards for academic writing and reliable use of sources
Upon successful completion of the course, students are able to
• describe and explain how literature’s relationship to the visual arts has developed historically
• analyze the relationship between word and image in a variety of literary texts
• describe and explain various theoretical ways of framing the relationship between literature and the visual arts
Contents
The relationship between literature and the visual arts has a long, complicated history. Often described as sister arts, they have also been conceived of as opponents locked in an antagonistic power struggle. This course will analyse selected literary works to trace key modern developments in their relationship, examples which may include the mixed practices of William Blake and the graphic novel, the tradition of poetic responses to paintings and sculpture, and the Künstlerroman. Theoretical articulations of concepts such ekphrasis, the imagetext and intermediality will both provide a framework and be questioned in the proceedings of the course.
Teaching and learning methods
Seminars. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is 270 hours.
Examination requirements
Students must attend 70% of the seminars and a mid-term essay (1500 - 2000 words) must be approved.
Examinations
A two-week individual take home essay (circa 3000 words). Graded assessment.
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, if there are places available
Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course
Identical to the admissions requirements for the programme.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 1:29:34 PM