Philosophy and Literature after 1900

ENG2003

Philosophy and literature both deal with the 'big' questions that appear spontaneously in the course of a human life. But how are the two practices similar? How are they different? How do they influence one another?

The aim of this course is to explore the relationship between literature, literary theory, and philosophy with especial emphasis on developments in the 20th century. The course will address the question of the relationship between philosophy and literature at a deeper level and in this sense will involve a normative discussion, not of how philosophy and literature have interacted but how they should. The course will also examine some of the major schools of philosophical thought that have shaped literature and literary theory in the foregoing century and the way these lines of influence have evolved and manifested themselves. Among these schools of thought are deconstructionism, Marxism, and psychoanalysis.

Acceptance into the Bachelor of English program or English One-Year program with adequate course progression (at least 45 ECTS passed). The course is also open to international exchange students at Nord University.

KNOWLEDGE

Students that have participated fully in Philosophy and Literature in the 20th century will attain:

Broad knowledge of the basic schools of thought that have shaped literature and literary theory in the 20th century;
Broad knowledge about the ideas that are important for understanding the relationship between philosophy and literature;
An understanding of the tools for analyzing the relationship between philosophy and literature.

SKILLS

Students that have participated fully in Philosophy and Literature in the 20th century will develop:

ability to discern philosophical influence in contemporary literary research trends;
ability to articulate and assess philosophical ideas and concepts in a reflective manner;
ability to engage in academic debate concerning the role and value of these ideas in literature and the study of literature.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The activities and instruction methods aim to develop the student's ability to:

reflect upon their knowledge of English literature and its relationship to the history of ideas;
present relevant ideas and themes both orally and in writing;
have an understanding of the philosophical dimensions of literature;
discuss the relevance of philosophy for English literature alone and with others.

No costs beyond semester fee and course literature.

Elective.

Teaching will be in the form of lectures and seminars. Participation and active collaboration between students is necessary to achieve the desired desired learning outcomes set for the course.

Study programmes are evaluated annually and students participate in course evaluations (midterm and end-of-term). Evaluations occur as a part of the university's quality control system.

SK: Written school exam (100%, graded A-F)

OD: 85% obligatory attendance (approved/not approved)

AK: coursework (approved/not approved)

Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, a number of assessments and exams at Nord University has been changed.

Changes are made in accordance with the Temporary Regulations on Supplements to Regulation 28/10/2020 no. 63: Concerning Studies and Examinations at Nord University - Extraordinary Measures as a Result of the Coronavirus Epidemic- according to §2 of the Corona Epidemic, Assessment Methods, Sections 1-3

To accommodate this, the form of assessment will be changed from written school examination to home examination on this course in the spring semester 2021.

English-English dictionaries

Students will be expected to have completed an Ex. Phil. course at Nord University or other higher education institution.

Curriculum literature

Leganto

Credits

Study location

Bodø

Course coordinator

Information about the course coordinator for the selected semester is no longer available. Please contact the current course coordinator.