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- Modern Finnish Literature
CEUS-R 304/504 - Staff
This lecture/ discussion course examines the major narrative texts of Finnish modern literature. Special emphasis is given to the historical period in the context of surrounding Finnish society. For example, how the modern literature reflects the movement from the countryside to the cities, industrialization, and Finnish independence. Some additional themes of the course are: the individual in the changing society, alcoholism in Finland, social criticism in the 60’s, the position of women in the Finnish society
The historical and cultural contexts of the literary works will be examined, as well as their influence in other fine arts, music and performing arts as well as film.
A selection of translated texts and articles on Finnish literary and cultural history will be available in the course packet. Students are expected to read and comment on these texts in weekly written homework assignments and actively take part in discussion in class. Support for the textual material will be drawn from fine arts, films and music.
Exams: There is no exam in this class. Attendance and active participation is required, and they will constitute a major part of the final grade. Assignments on novels, short stories, essays and poetry. Two or three presentations/analyses of literary works and one or two papers on literary subjects (periods, authors, etc.).
Required readings:
-Lecturer’s course packet posted Oncourse
-Linna Väinö: Under the North Star III. Translated from the original [Täällä Pohjantähden alla] by Richard Impola. Aspasia Books, Beaverton, Canada, 2001.
-Linna Väinö: The Unknown Soldier. WSOY, Helsinki, 1982.
-Music, visual material, films to support the literature
- Undergraduate Requirements: Attendance and discussion participation 30%, weekly homework sheet 20 %, Midterm exam 15 %, final paper (8-10 pages) 15 %, and presentation 5 %, Final exam 15 %.
Graduate Requirements: Attendance and discussion participation 30 %, weekly homework sheet 20 %, Midterm exam 10%, final paper (15 pages) 15 %, and presentation 5 %, a book review 5 %, Final exam 15 %.
