Time Schedule:
Jan Sjavik
SCAND 280
Seattle Campus
Reading and discussion of Ibsen's major plays.
Class description
You will become familiar with many of Henrik Ibsen's plays and their historical and cultural background. You will also develop your skills as a reader and interpreter.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Mostly class discussion following your reading of the plays, with some lecture. You will be encouraged to express yourself freely in and out of class. My attitude to the study of literature is that there are no "wrong" interpretations, but you should find support for your reading in the text. I encourage students to disagree with my own readings; it makes for lively and instructive conversations.
Recommended preparation
This is a 200-level course, and there is no required preparation. It does help, however, if you enjoy reading and discussing literature.
Class assignments and grading
Careful reading and re-reading, and, for those who choose to write research papers, library research and review of the critical literature about Ibsen's plays. Some video materials will also be used in class.
Midterm and final essay exams each count for fifty percent of the course grade. If you are unhappy with your midterm grade, you may write a 5-6 page research or critical paper in lieu of the midterm. If you would like ad hoc W-credit for the course, you may write a ten page paper or two 5-6 page papers, which you will have the opportunity to revise. But you cannot substitute a paper for both the midterm and the final.
