Selected Topics in German Literary Studies

Aim and Content

The course covers literary theories and methods.

TYS317 is an elective part of the Master¿s programme, but students writing a master¿s thesis in literature are advised to take this course or LITT300.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student shall

• Have insight into the main features of contemporary German literary science
• Have a critical and reflected understanding of current literary theories and methods and be able to use this knowledge when working with the master¿s thesis
• Be able to present and discuss literary issues in German
• Be able to analyse selected literary texts based on different literary perspectives
• Can express him/herself precisely about different types of texts and issues
• Be able, independently, to expand and update their knowledge of the chosen topic

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

German

Course Unit Level

Master

Access to the Course Unit

The course is open to all with admission to the Master's programme in German at the University of Bergen.

Pre-requirements

Bachelor degree with a specialisation in German of at least 90 credits or similar.

Teaching Methods

• Seminars where students are expected to participate actively.
• One double session
• 12 weeks

Compulsory Requirements

During the semester the students give two oral presentations related to the reading list. The students select the topics in cooperation with the teacher. The aim is to give the students experiences in presenting and in relating selected theories to literary works. The students shall also write one short practice assignment related to the seminars. The compulsory requirements must be approved by the teacher before the student can take the exam.

Assessment methods

The exam is a paper of about 5000 word, excluding list of contents, exam question and bibliography, which is to be written within two weeks.

Exams are held each semester.

Grading Scale

The grading scale A-F is used, where F is a fail.

Reading List

The reading list is up to 350 pages long, and includes a selection of texts from literary topics such as interpretation theory, poetics and rhetoric.

Place of Teaching

Bergen

Course Unit Evaluation

The teaching is evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Contact Information

studieveileder@if.uib.no