The History of British and American Literature and Ideas

Education facts

Code: GEN3E7

The course consists of the study of British and American literature and their history of ideas from the Renaissance to Postmodernism.The historical development is studied by examining the history of ideas in conjunction with a close reading of a selection of representative works of literature. In this way, greater importance is given to the student’s own understanding of the significance and function of the literary texts rather than knowledge of historical events. Special attention is given to the contemporary viewpoint and, to a certain extent, the reassessment of historical Anglo-Saxon history of ideas and literature by highlighting aspects such as colonialism, imperialism, power, gender, race and class. The course contains the writing of an academic literary essay and a critical review of the essays of others.

Entry requirements

6 credits from Literature in English on English I level

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• The History of British and American Literature and Ideas

  Dalarna University

  Start date: 1 September 2025

  End date: 18 January 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %