Course description for 2022/23
Hawthorne vs Melville
SP234L
Course description for 2022/23
Hawthorne vs Melville
SP234L
Hawthorne vs. Melville is an in-depth review and examination of two of the most challenging yet enduring figures of American Romanticism. By focusing on a large selection of their writings in several genres, in connection to their respective biographical histories and secondary criticism written about their work, students will gain new appreciation for these literary giants, and a greater understanding of their place in the American literary canon.
Acceptance into the Bachelor of English program (at least 120 ECTS passed). The course is also open to international exchange students at Nord University and to students of other subjects by instructor agreement.
Knowledge:
- Familiarity with and contextual background for selected works of fiction and non-fiction by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville.
- Broad-based knowledge of the authors’ biographies, secondary criticism, and their respective contributions to the American literary canon.
Skills:
- Reading widely with an aesthetic and critical gaze with the purpose of making relevant comparisons and judgments about the works of Hawthorne and Melville.
- Ability to reflect critically upon texts in several genres by Hawthorne and Melville and come to independent and relevant scholarly conclusions, using secondary references where appropriate;
- Placing works by Hawthorne and Melville into a larger socio-historical context, and more specifically into the framework/timeline of American literary romanticism.
General Competencies:
- Engagement with the course material in an independent and critical context;
- Development of a more sophisticated written and oral English;
- Experience of professional academic culture through conference participation.
No costs beyond semester fees and textbooks
Elective; required for Bachelor of English
The teaching will be part lectures, part seminars, with follow-up activities on Fronter where applicable.
Study programmes are evaluated annually and students participate in course evaluations (midterm and end-of-term). Evaluations occur as a part of the universitys quality control system.
In this course, students will be evaluated in the following manner:
- HJ: 2-week take home exam towards the end of the semester. Grade A-F (100%).
- AK: Participation in 8 quizzes and 1 short writing task. Grade Grade approved/Not Approved
- OD: Minimum 85% attendance and active participation during classes. Includes a selection of activities during ASANOR 2022. Grade approved/Not Approved
It is recommended that students have taken the English One-Year Program or a similar introductory survey program, including a class in research and writing, before proceeding with a more-advanced class.