ENG4550 – Theory and Method in American and British Studies
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
In this course we study the theory and methods used within American and British studies. The course is designed to provide master students with the theoretical and methodological basis they need for, both deciding on the project for their master thesis, and for carrying out their research. It has three main components, addressing the twin pillars of area studies: history and contemporary society.
The first part of the course looks at the central theoretical questions raised within history as an academic discipline, how the discipline has developed over time, as well as the historical method, while the second part addresses the historical development of American Studies. A main concern in our approach to American Studies is to look at the central themes of contention which have marked the discipline. In the third part we focus on British Studies with a main emphasis on the development of British Cultural Studies (in the post-war period), and the state of British Studies today.
A central theme throughout the course is to compare and contrast the study of the United States with that of the United Kingdom.
Learning outcome
Upon completion of the course, you:
- can identify the central theoretical questions raised within history as an academic discipline, and the development of the discipline over time,
- know the historical method,
- can analyse the theory and methods used by historians working within different historical traditions,
- know the development of American Studies over time, and the central themes of contention within the discipline,
- know the development of British Cultural Studies in the post war period, and British Studies today,
- can analyse central research questions in the study of the USA and the UK.
Admission to the course
This course is only available for students admitted to the program European Languages: study option "English Literature, American and British Studies" or the LeP- programme.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with NORAM4550 – Theory and Method in North-American-studies (continued).
Teaching
Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. 20 hours in total.
- Draft versions of the portfolio assignments must be submitted at specified times during the semester.
- It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accomodations.
All obligatory activities must be approved for you to sit the exam. All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester.
Examination
The form of assessment is a portfolio consisting of several works, totaling a maximum of 15 pages (one standard page equals 2300 characters).
Examination support material
Note that Chicago style footnotes/endnotes (not in-text notes) is the standard in our field.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Approved obligatory attendance and assignments are only valid the semester you attend the course.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.