ENG4435 – The Lost Generation and the 1920s
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course focuses on the famous post-World War I-generation of American writers, with Hemingway and Fitzgerald as central figures, that have come to be known in literary history as "the Lost Generation." Through a selection of representative texts, the course will attempt both to present each author's particular profile and to show how they as a group constitute a special generation with a number of things in common. In addition to focusing on the literary qualities of each work, especially in the context of American modernism, the course will also try to integrate the historical context of the "Jazz Age" of the 1920's. Emphasis will thus be put on how these writers were deeply concerned with their own contemporary society, in addition to being vitally engaged in the decade's experimental esthetic debate.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- gained an understanding of a multi-faceted and fascinating decade in American history, especially in the field of literature (American modernism), but also in terms of the larger social background of the twenties.
- improved your analytical and critical abilities, in the context of a selection of texts that have retained their relevance for our own day and age.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Admission to the master program in literature, LAP or other suitable master programs.
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for ten weeks. Regular attendance and active participation is required, e.g. in the form of one or more oral presentations.
Examination
A portfolio consisting of a seven-page semester essay (spacing: one and a half; topic to be decided by the teacher in consultation with the student), and a two-hour final classroom exam.
All written papers must be accompanied by a declaration concerning cheating Obligatorisk erkl?ring vedr. fusk
Language of examination
English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Grades will be published on Studentweb no later than three weeks after the submission date/exam.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.