Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of one of the areas of English literature
- demonstrate an advanced knowledge of relevant methodology and theory as well as insights into current research questions in the area or subject
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and to analyse, evaluate and deal with complex phenomena and questions
- show the ability and skills needed to develop a research question and then independently search for, collect, evaluate and critically interpret and analyse relevant information
- conduct an independent literary study of scholarly value, characterized by a clear connection to current research, a competent application of method and theory as well as by a strong argumentative drive based on advanced literary analyses within a limited frame of time
- orally and in writing present and argue for his or her own results as well for the knowledge and argumentation which form the basis for the conclusions, showing a high level of communicative competence
- analyse and discuss the scholarly work of others by pointing out strengths as well as weaknesses in the form of constructive response.
Course Content
The course starts with a study of the literary research process, including the choice of topic, research question, methodology and theoretical approach, literature searches, outline and the actual craft of academic writing. The student then carries out an independent literary study of a well-defined problem area directly connected to English literature in English. The study is presented in the form of an independently written essay of about 25-30 sidor (7500-9000 words). The course also consists of practice in the oral presentation and defence of the student’s own results and arguments, as well as of analyses of other students’ work.
Assessment
The course is mainly examined through the independently written thesis, but the student’s ability to give and take constructive criticism during the work-in-progress is also considered in the final assessment.
Forms of Study
The course is taught in the form of seminars, peer reviews and individual supervision. The thesis is finally defended and discussed at a thesis defence seminar. All teaching is conducted in English.
Grades
The Swedish grades U–VG.
Prerequisites
- A Bachelor‘s degree coomprising at least 180 credits with a major (minimum 90 credits) in English
- and
- 22,5 credits in English at graduate level with a literary focus
- including the course
- English: Scholarly Writing in Literary Theory and Criticism 7,5 credits graduate level
- or equivalent knowledge.
Other Information
Previous course code EN3035.
The course was part of the Main field of English until 2015-08-01.
Revised
14-04-03 (Main field added)
15-11-03 (Main field removed)
Literature
- Gibaldi Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. New York: MLA. (361 p).
Note: senaste upplagan / latest edition - Griffith, Kelley. Writing Essays about Literature: A Guide and Style Sheet. London: Heinle and Heile. (416 p).
Note: senaste upplagan / latest edition