MBIB5900 Master Thesis 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.

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

• is familiar with relevant theory and research in the area that the thesis concerns

Skills

The student

• is capable of using relevant methods in report work and evaluations
• is capable of evaluating the use of methods in and results of studies and evaluations

General competence

The student

• is capable of carrying out a delimited research or development work under supervision and in accordance with applicable research ethics standards
• is capable of communicating about relevant issues, analyses and conclusions both in written form and orally

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 form of assessment is a master's thesis (80-130 pages). The master's thesis must be submitted in digital form (pdf format). Font and font size: Arial/Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Students are allowed to submit a new or revised master's thesis once if they are awarded a fail grade. In cases where several students write the thesis together, the whole group must resubmit a new or revised thesis. A student will not be allowed to submit a new master's thesis in the same programme if a pass grade has already been awarded, cf. the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet, Section 5-6 first and second paragraphs.

The master thesis can be written in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or in English.

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

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

In case of fail, all 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

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

Åse Kristine Tveit