Introduction to American Studies
About the course
This course may be taken as a single course.
The course provides an introduction to American literature and culture. It represents a historical, highly selective survey course of American literature from colonial times to the present, with primary emphasis on texts from the Romantic Age to the present. Texts from the various periods are analyzed closely and discussed in their socio-cultural contexts. The course thus attempts to integrate the study of literature and culture. The major genres of literature are represented in the course, and it provides students with the basic methods and tools of textual analysis, designed to make them more proficient in close reading.
Admission requirements
Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse) or prior learning and work experience (realkompetanse).
Application code: 9199 - Enkeltemner (ikke realfag), lavere grad (Nordic applicants).
A good grasp of oral and written English is recommended.
Objectives of the course
The students have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge of:
- the history of American literature and culture
- different literary genres of American writing
- methods and concepts for the study of literary and cultural texts
- a variety of samples of fiction, poetry, and drama
Skills:
- ability to explain one's ideas in a succinct, coherent manner and support them with close reading of texts
- acquisition of advanced skills for the close reading of texts
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- ENG-1120 Liberty, Equality and Power: American Culture in Text and Film 10 ects
Teaching methods
Teaching consist of 11-13 lectures followed by seminars.
Quality assurance
All courses undergo a halfway evaluation once in a 3-year period at the bachelor's level. The study programme leader determines which programme options will be evaluated per year, and which courses will be evaluated by the students and the teacher per year.
Language of instruction and examination
English.Recommended reading/syllabus
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Pensumliste for ENG-1120 - Introduction to American Studies (HØST 2026)Schedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open to incoming exchange students.
Study level: Bachelor’s
Admission prerequisites:
This course should be taken as part of a course package.
This course has admission prerequisites, which are listed under the Admission requirements section. Please review this information carefully before adding the course to your Learning Agreement.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Essay | Approved – not approved |
| Attendance | Approved – not approved |
| AkS | Approved – not approved |
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More info about the coursework requirements
- One essay (1200-1500 words) that focuses on one or more of the texts on the reading list. This is a two-part assignment: the essay is to be submitted once in draft form and once in final form.
- Completion of the AkS course (Akademisk skriving) through the university library.
- In addition, 60 % attendance at seminar groups is required. Students may miss no more than four seminar group meetings during the course of the semester