English: Introductory Course. Literary and Cultural Studies

The course is a freestanding course.

General entrance requirements for university studies and English level 2/English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test.

The course has two modules:

1. English Literary Studies 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The module includes both literary primary texts and simple literary critical texts. The student learns to analyse literary texts with regard to literary aspects, presentations, language and underlying cultural aspects.

2. Cultural Studies in English 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The aim of the module is to give the student an understanding of key concepts and methods in cultural studies as well as how these can be applied on cultural and popular-cultural texts. The course focuses on some central fields such as history, ideology, representation and environment. These fields will also be highlighted from a sustainable perspective which is based ideas of social, economic and ecological justice and diversity.

Together the different parts of the course aim to give students increased knowledge of English-speaking literature and culture as well as develop an academic approach. In addition, the course aims to lay the foundation of the development of the knowledge of
sustainable development and a refinement of generic skills.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for basic terminology within literary and cultural studies;

Competence and skills

• efficiently without making elementary errors use English in connection with oral and written argumentation and presentation;
• produce close readings and scholarly analyses of literary texts;
• relate basic cultural theoretical concepts in interpretations of (popular) cultural texts;

Judgement and approach

• make critical assessments with regard to the importance of culture for a sustainable social progress;
• critically reflect on his or her own theoretical arguments and methods in his or her own production and that of others.

This is an online course. The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars and group assignments on the university's digital learning platform. There may be scheduled meetings.

Language of instruction: English

To what extent the student has achieved the aims of the course is tested through oral and written tests and/or assignments and participation in seminars. Assessment should be based on the individual performance of each student.

Students who have failed any part of the course are given the possibility of a new test. In connection with written assignments, supplementary assignments may be offered in order for the student to achieve a Pass grade. Such a supplementary assignment should be done within the stipulated time (normally five working days after the result has been posted). Otherwise a Fail grade will be reported.

A student who has passed a subtest may not do a new test for a higher grade. Nor do students have the right to withdraw a submitted test and in such a way avoid being graded.

A student who has taken two exams in a course or part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner. The student needs to contact the department for a new examiner, preferably in writing, and this should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years, after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to placements and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To pass the course with distinction, the grade Pass with distinction is required on at least 50% of the credits of the course.

The students are given the opportunity to make a written evaluation of the course. The results of the evaluation are published digitally.

Together with EN1111 the course corresponds to EN1110 and may therefore not be included in English as the main field of study in a Bachelor's degree together with EN1110.

Equality aspects should be taken in consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.

To follow a web-based course, students must have access to a computer, web camera and stable broadband connection.