MBIB4320 Sociology of Literature Course description

The sociology of literature is mainly concerned with two aspects of literature and society: One the one hand, the historical, material and cultural conditions of literature, and the significance of these conditions for how literature is produced, disseminated, read and evaluated. On the other hand, sociology of literature also explores how social structures appear in literature. Important topics in the course are dynamics in the literary public sphere and in reading habits, changes in the book market, quality assessment and canon formation, as well as literature and library policy. The course also discusses theories, models and methods used in literary sociological analyzes and research.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence

Knowledge

The student

• has a broad historical understanding of the sociology of literature 
• insight in the theories and methods used to research the sociology of literature
• knowledge of the main constituents of the literary public sphere, and of Norwegian cultural and library politics
• knowledge of different institutions and reader groups' perspectives on the assessment of literary quality

Skills

The student

• can assume an analytical perspective on the rapidly changing book- and media market
• can conduct qualitative and quantitative studies on topics concerning sociology of literature  
• can write literary critique
• can assess the quality of fictional and non-fictional texts, as well as their relevance to different groups of readers

General competence

Candidates are able to

• write articles and reviews
• assume an analytical perspective on quality discussions

The course is organised as a series of three sessions over three days. The teaching methods are seminars, lectures, group work and student presentations. Students will work individually with assignments of their own choice within the genres opinion pieces, articles and literary criticism.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

1. An article (approx. 20,000 characters without spaces)
2. A longer debate post or newspaper article (approx. 4,000 characters without spaces)
3. A literature review (approx. 3,000 characters without spaces).
4. One of the course assessments (the student chooses which one) is to be presented and discussed at the last meeting. Attendance is mandatory at this gathering. 

All written coursework must be written in Arial / Calibri 12 point line spacing 1.5. In addition, all the work must have a short note outlining the intended publication channel and target group.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version twice by the given deadline.

The form of assessment is an individual portfolio, consisting of the three written work requirements as described above. An overall grade is given. 

Candidates who do not pass the ordinary examination may apply for a new / postponed examination. In case of fail, all parts of the portfolio must be handed in again. If the student fails, he or she can submit a revised version of the portfolio to be assessed once.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with

Grade scale A-F

The portfolios are graded by one internal and one external examiner.