MBIB4320 Sociology of Literature Course description

Cultural and literary sociology is concerned with historical, material, and political conditions, and the significance of these conditions for the creation, dissemination, and utilization of cultural expressions and literature. Literary sociology also explores how social structures manifest in literature. Key themes within this subject include the literary institution, reading habits, changes in the book market, and cultural and literary policy.

The language of the course is Norwegian.

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

• insight into the theories and methods used to research the sociology of culture and literature
• knowledge of the main constituents of the literary public sphere
• knowledge of Norwegian cultural and literature politics

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 apply theories from sociology of culture and literature to current issues

General competence

Candidates are able to

• discuss academic issues in light of theory.
• approach current debates in the fields of literature and culture analytically.

The course is organised as a series of three sessions. The teaching methods are seminars on campus, lectures, group work and student presentations.

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

1. A written outline of a term paper (4-5 p.)
2. An oral presentation for the fellow students (approx. 10 min.)
3. A longer debate post or opinion piece (approx. 800-1000 words)

All written coursework must be written in Arial / Calibri 12 point line spacing 1.5. The debate post should have a short note outlining the intended publication channel and target group.

The 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 a further developed version of requirement no 3 (approx. 3 pages), plus a term paper (approx. 10 pages) An overall grade is given.

Font and font size: Arial/Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

In case of fail, both parts of the portfolio must be handed in again. Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the portfolio for assessment

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.

Åse Kristine Tveit