DELETED: Postmodern American Literature and BeyondLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

At the end of the course, the student will be able to - critically reflect on styles, forms and themes related to postmodern and metamodern American literature - understand some of the cultural contexts of American literature in the 1980s to 2010s - analyze texts that invite multiple interpretations and consider the relations between forms and content The course develops the following working-life skills: Language skills, culture specialisation, argumentation skills, research skills, meaning-making, time management and prioritization. Generic competences: ethics, internationality, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise, interaction and communication

Content

This course focuses on US postmodern and metamodern literature from the 1980s to the 2010s. We will analyze postmodern and metamodern texts that invite multiple interpretations while considering their themes and contexts. We will see how postmodern fragmentariness gives way to considerations of community and identity (e.g. racial identity). We will read poetry and a short story together, and students will be able to delve deeper into the topic by choosing a literary work to study in more detail.

Materials

Excerpts from short stories or poetry from writers such as Seth Abramson, Lyn Hejinian, Claudia Rankine, Louise Erdrich. Research literature. Students will write a final essay on a literary work chosen from a list provided by the instructor (Elearn/Moodle).

Further information

Teacher: Elina Siltanen Time: Autumn term Key words: Literature, United States of America Campus: Joensuu

Accomplishment methods

Modes of study: Seminars (16 h) and independent work (119 h), presentation Evaluation criteria: Continuous assessment and a presentation (30%); an essay, circa 2500 words (70%) Evaluation: H-5