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The so-called ‘return to history’ of the last few decades within Anglo-American literary theory and scholarship – be it in the form of New Historicisim, Feminism, Gay and Queer Studies, Post-colonial Studies or the History of the Book – has also meant a ‘return to the author’. This course will investigate the historically variable roles of the author, and the different perspectives on how relevant this figure has been in relation to the interpretation of texts. We will be reading a selection of literary texts from the 18th century until today, by authors such as Dr. Johnson, the Brontës, and Joyce, writers who, in more or less direct ways, both inhabited and shaped various historical models of authorship. We will also be studying some of the most significant theoretical contributions to the field. During the course we will examine topics such as the prevailing interest in biographical information, the genre of biography, restrictions imposed upon the author, anonymity and pseudonymity, literary forgery, and, in relation to the historical construction of the author function, aspects such as copyright, economy, and the impact of new media technologies.
To develop a good knowledge of the historical and contemporary role of authorship in Western societies. A further goal is to develop analytical skills in relation to literary interpretation, historical sources and theoretical texts.
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 ENG4329 - The Return of the Author.
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 term paper of 10 standard pages (topic to be decided between teacher and student).
All written papers must be accompanied by a declaration concerning cheating Obligatorisk erklæring vedr. fusk
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.
Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. As a student at the University of Oslo you will therefore be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses, facilities and services. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, in-depth evaluation of this course, a so called "periodic evaluation".
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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