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This course attempts to explore the many ramifications of the complex concept of literary postmodernism, the way it is expressed by some of the most influential American authors during the period 1965 to 2001. Against the background of the five novels on the reading list, we will discuss central terms like “the death of Truth,” “the loss of Self,” “language as a construction of reality,” meta-fiction, and intertextuality. An attempt will also be made to show how some of the most important postmodern concepts are traceable in other areas of culture than literature during this period. The course will also deal with significant developments in the literary criticism of the period (e.g., post-structuralism and deconstructionism), but such theories will be explored as a part of the textual analyses rather than as ends in themselves.
The course will try to give the students a reasonably sophisticated understanding of postmodernism as a literary term and cultural phenomenon in the United States during the period 1965-2001. It will also emphasize the many significant differences between the syllabus authors within the postmodernist framework. Additionally, the course aims to develop the students’ critical and analytical abilities in their meeting with central novels from our own time.
Students who are admitted to study programmes or individual courses at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for by registering a study plan in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction and tuition and sit for the examination.
Admission to the master program in literature, LAP or other suitable master programs.
10 credits against ENG4318 - Postmodernism in American Fiction.
Seminar, two hours per week for ten weeks. Regular attendance and active participation is required, e.g. in the form of one or more oral presentations.
A portfolio consisting of a seven-page essay and a two-hour written classroom exam.
All written papers must be accompanied by a declaration concerning cheating Obligatorisk erklæring vedr. fusk
English dictionary.
English.
Marks will be published on Studentweb no later than three weeks after the submission date/exam.
Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail.
An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.
A student may appeal against an awarded grade and/or file a formal complaint about exam procedures.
Students who due to illness or other valid reason of absence were unable to sit for their final exams may apply for participation in make-up exams. Make-up exams are arranged either later in the same semester or early in the semester following the exam in question. Documentation of valid reasons for absence from the regular exam must be submitted upon application to participate in make-up exams.
Students who have failed an exam and students who wish to re-take an exam to achieve a better grade may not participate in make-up exams, but must re-take the exam when it is regularly scheduled.
Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
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Visiting address:
Niels Treschows hus, Level 7
Postal address:
P.O. Box 1003 - Blindern
0315 Oslo
Visiting hours:
Monday - Friday 12.30-15.00
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