The course aims at giving the students increased insight into and knowledge of British literature and culture, and make them capable of expressing themselves in a clear and concise manner about literary and cultural questions, both in writing and orally.

The students will develop their critical approach to and independent evaluation of required readings. The course provides an introduction to textual analyses in the main literary genres prose, poetry, and drama. The ability to look for formal and thematic features is developed, and through analyses of a range of literary works one also gains an understanding of the most important periods and main features in British literature. The works and epochs are interpreted in relation to important features of each time periods societal and political circumstances.

ENG125 gives a basic introduction to British literature and culture.

Knowledge
After completing the course the student will:
- Understand and use critical vocabulary related to the discipline, and demonstrate both orally and in writing an understanding of the basic conceptual and theoretical methods used when reading literary texts

- Grasp the differences between the various forms of literary work, such as drama, poetry and prose, and various genres within these forms as covered in the course

- Show an understanding of the relationship between literary texts and the larger social, political and historical frameworks within which they are constructed and with which they interact

Skills
After completion of the course the student will:
- Demonstrate all of the above through clearly expressed, accurately written and appropriately structured essays

General competence
After completion of the course the student will:
- Respond with individuality and imagination to a range of literary works.

It is strongly advised that students, in addition to fulfilling the general admission requirements, also have good grades in specialized English courses from Upper Secondary School.

For students with a background other than the Norwegian school system, a level of competence in English corresponding to C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is recommended.

The course is open to all with admission to the University of Bergen.

For exchange students:
Applicants have to document English language proficiency to access the course. Student should hold a level of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). For valid tests, please see uib.no/exchange.

Lectures and seminars: up to 72 hours.

Students are expected to consistently and actively be a part of the teaching hours. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.

The exam is a five-hour school exam, where students will be examined from the entire syllabus.

Students who do not comply with the guidelines given under obligatory assignments lose the right to take the exam in the course.

The exam may be digital.

The course includes a selection of representative texts, authors and movements in British literature (poetry, prose and drama). The texts are viewed in light of problems of basic literary theory as well as social, political and cultural perspectives, which are also covered by relevant curriculum.

The reading list will be available by 1 December for the Spring Semester.