SELCS

Scandinavian Literature in Context

Course code: SCAN2222.
Course unit value: 0.5.

This course aims to introduce students to some of the major Nordic literary texts (prose, drama, lyric) from 1800 to the present day. The aim is to develop students’ familiarity with a range of theoretical approaches to literature by way of considering the works under the four themes of Crime, Gender, City and Nature. Students will have the opportunity to read texts written in their chosen Scandinavian language as well as to familiarise themselves with texts in other Scandinavian languages (for those with no previous knowledge of a mainland Scandinavian language, all texts will be available in English translation). Students registered for the BA in Scandinavian Studies MUST familiarise themselves with the set texts written in their chosen language in the original language.

The following texts or similar will be studied in the course: Steen Steensen Blicher, "The Pastor of Vejlbye"; Halldór Laxness, The Atom Station; Henrik Ibsen, A Doll's House, August Strindberg, Miss Julie and Other Plays. Knuth Hamsun, Hunger; Hjalmar Söderberg, Short Stories. Jørgen-Frantz Jacobsen, Barbara; a selection of nature poems by H.C. Andersen, Edith Södergran, Halldis Moren Vesaas, Tomas Tranströmer, Hans Børli and Inger Christensen.

Tutor: Dr Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen.
Mode of assessment: One assessed essay (4,000 words; 100%).

Suggested background reading:

  • Harald S. Naess, A History of Norwegian Literature, University of Nebraska Press, 1993.
  • Lars G. Warme, A History of Swedish Literature, University of Nebraska Press, 1996.
  • Sven H. Rossel, A History of Scandinavian Literature, 1870-1980, Transl. by Anne C. Ulmer. University of Minnesota Press, 1981.
  • Sven H. Rossel, A History of Danish Literature, University of Nebraska Press, 1992.