Course description for 2026/27
English 2C - American literature and culture
ENG2027
Course description for 2026/27
English 2C - American literature and culture
ENG2027
What does it mean to be "American"? Through examining a selection of important and provocative texts from the United States of America and beyond, the course takes a contextualized and critical look at what it means to be "American." Students will gain the detail, insight, and vocabulary a teacher needs to frame and discuss contemporary issues relevant to the English classroom.
What does it mean to be "American"? From Walt Whitman to Walter White, from Emerson to Euphoria, American culture has, for better or worse, exerted a strong influence on the English-speaking world. This course introduces the rich, complex, and sometimes controversial social, cultural, and literary history of the United States; we will discuss a selection of important and provocative texts from America and beyond, including a wide range of modern forms and cultural artifacts. Taking a contextualized and critical look at what it means to be "American," this course will provide students with a firm understanding of key topics in American studies, offering the detail, insight, and vocabulary a teacher needs to frame and discuss contemporary issues, such as civil rights and cultural divides in the English classroom. Through regular class discussion and independent exploration, this course aims to foster the intellectual independence to support lifelong learning as an English teacher.
Enrolment in one of the study programs that includes the course, or enrolment as a single-course student.
This course is included in the following program:
- Master's in Primary School Teacher Education (Grades 1 - 7)
- Master's in Primary School Teacher Education (Grades 5 - 10)
- Master's in Primary School Teacher Education (Grades 1 - 10)
- Lecturer Education in Physical Education and Sports
- Teacher Education for Practical and Aesthetic Subjects (Grades 1-13), Music
- One year program in English, Bodø
- Senior Teacher Education in Social studies
The admission requirements are listed on the study programs' websites. Any prerequisites for the course must be met.
KNOWLEDGE
The student:
- is familiar with a wide range of literature, films and other forms of cultural expression that can be used in teaching
- is familiar with the role of literature in expressing the historical and cultural diversity of American experiences, including those of indigenous peoples
SKILLS
The student:
- is capable of using English orally and in writing, confidently and functionally, and in different genres
- is capable of discussing, orally and in writing, a wide range of fiction and nonfiction
- is capable of obtaining and facilitating information on social issues and cultural topics for use in teaching, in, among other things, interdisciplinary projects
GENERAL COMPETENCIES
The student:
- is capable of reflecting critically on their own learning and teaching practice in light of fundamental ethical values and the school’s responsibility for the personal growth of children and young people
- is capable of maintaining and developing their own linguistic and didactic competence and contributing to academic development and innovation
- is capable of independently interpreting and analyzing writing in various forms and genres
No tuition fees. Semester fees and cost of course literature apply. It is expected that students have access to a laptop computer.
Obligatory for students that have chosen English as elective in the teacher education program or English One-Year Program, Bodø.
Obligatory course for students in the Teacher Education program in Social Studies who choose English as their specialization
Lectures, group work and individual work.
Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.
Compound evaluation (SV), grading scale A-E for pass, F for fail. All elements must be approved/passed to receive a final grade in the course.
- Compulsory participation (OD): 80% attendanc. min. Comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale: Approved - Not approved.
- Two written assignments (AK) connected to the course material, comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale: Approved - Not approved.
- Oral examination (MU), individual, app. 20 minutes, comprises 100/100 of the grade, grading scale: A-E for pass, F for fail.
No aids allowed.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating
Students are expected to have good competence in English orally and in writing, so that they can participate in discussions and deliver written work in English.
Course language
English
Credits
7.5
Study location
Bodø, Levanger, Nesna
Teaching semesters
Spring 2026
Responsible faculty
The Faculty of Education and Arts
Course coordinator
