Global Language – Global Literature

Course Code: EN232E

Institution:

School of Arts and Communication

Revision:

3

For students admitted fall 2011  

Other set versions

Approval

The course was established 11 February 2010.
This course syllabus (version 3) was approved 15 June 2011 by the Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society (SMS).
The syllabus is valid from 29 August 2011. Replacement for course syllabus ratified 06 December 2010.

Education level

First cycle

Course description

This aim of this course is to introduce students to the study of English language and literature in English from a global perspective.

Advancement in relation to the degree requirements

The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergradate level.

Entry requirements

The special prerequisite for this course, besides basic eligibility for university studies, is fieldeligibility 6: Civics A and English B. Applicants are exempted from the Civics A requirement.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will:

• understand the historical processes that have led to the emergence of English as a global language,
• be able to identify, understand, and discuss contemporary literature that reflects the diversity of English in its globalized, “de-centered” position in the 21st Century,
• be aware of the fundamental social and cultural implications of the globalization of English, and be able to articulate the link between language and identity.

Assessments

Written examination (Global Language), 2,5 hp
Written examination (Global Literature), 2,5 hp
Written assignment 2,5 hp




Course content

This course sets out to illustrate the wide range of ‘Englishes’ used by people across the world to express themselves, questioning whether English can be said to ‘belong’ to any people or peoples. Part history, part human geography and part literary analysis, the course explores and explains examples of how disparate varieties of English give voice – in the form of poetry, prose and song – to people all over the planet.


Learning activities

Learning will take place through seminars, group discussion, self-study, and supervised project work.


Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). ECTS grading system can be used on students demand.


Reading list and other media

Lehrer, Seth. 2007. Inventing English. A Portable History of the Language. University Presses of California, Columbia and Princeton.

Prescott, Lynda. (Editor). 2008. A World of Difference – An Anthology of Short Stories from Five Continents. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.


Course evaluation

Oral, informal evaluation is carried out throughout the course. A formal, written evaluation is carried out at the end of the course and published on the course homepage.