Representations of Parents and Parenting, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course analyzes representations of parents, parenting and family in novels and animated films intended for children and young people. With a starting point in masculinity theory, feminist theory and gender theory, the didactic content of the material is analyzed with a specific focus on normative and norm-breaking structures.

Expected learning outcomes

To be awarded a Pass grade, the student should be able to:
 
Knowledge and understanding

• account for, exemplify and discuss presentations of parents and parenting
• account for how social and political traditions and attitudes are manifested in the material

Competence and skills

• independently analyze literary and visual source material
• apply modern theoretical approaches (e.g., gender theory) in analyses of novels and animated films
• relate to relevant research to forward an academic argument
• communicate analyses of the primary material in writing at an advanced academic level

Judgement and approach

• critically examine primary sources, both as expressions of cultural contexts and as carriers of social norms
• critically examine academic argumentation.

Required Knowledge

Univ: At least 90 ECTS including 75 ECTS with academic progression (corresponding to level 61-90 hp in the Swedish academic system) in English, or equivalent knowledge. To be accepted to the course, the applicant must have previously completed introduction and intermediate level courses in English literature at university level, or equivalent knowledge. Alternatively, 90 ECTS in Swedish Comparative Literature. Knowledge of English equivalent of English 6/English Course B.

Form of instruction

The course is entirely net-based. Access to a computer is necessary to complete the assignments that are part of the course. Instruction consists of independent studies and group discussions via a learning platform. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and complete assigned written tasks. This is to be done within set time frames.

Examination modes

Examination consists of assessment of the student's active participation in group discussions, and of individual written assignments.  

The examiner can decide on deviations from the modes of examination in the syllabus for a student who has been determined eligible for pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adjustments to the mode of examination will be made on the basis of the student's needs. The mode of examination will be adjusted in relation to the expected learning outcomes. Student in need of Individual adjustments to the mode of examination, should request this at the department no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner makes a decision based on the request, and the decision is communicated to the student.

Grades awarded for written assignments are Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd (VG)), Pass (Godkänd (G)) and Fail (Underkänd (U)). Grades awarded for active participation in group discussions are Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd).  
 
A student who has been awarded a Pass grade cannot be re-examined.
 
A student who has not received a Pass grade on an exam has the right to re-take the exam (a re-sit) on a course on which they have ever been registered. The first re-sit shall be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, but no earlier than ten working days after the result of that exam has been announced. For tests held in May or June, the first re-sit may be offered within three months of the regular exam. The date for the re-sit shall be announced no later than in conjunction with the regular exam. At least one more re-sit shall be offered within a year of the regular exam.  
 
In cases where an exam cannot be repeated according to the rules in effect regarding re-sits, it will be replaced with another task. The scope and content of such a task should be reasonably proportionate to the missed exam.
 
An examiner may decide that a student who has not quite met the examination requirements, but is close to a Pass grade, be given the opportunity to take a supplementary examination to achieve the Pass grade. Such an examination shall be individually tailored to the goal(s) that the student has not met, and shall be arranged within two weeks after the result of the examination has been announced, but before the next examination session. A supplementary examination can only raise a Fail grade to a Pass grade; award of a grade higher than Pass is not allowed. If the student so wishes, they have the right to take a re-sit instead of a supplementary examination, which gives them the opportunity to achieve a Pass with Distinction.

Other regulations

The final date for the submission/completion of assignments falls on the last day of the semester, unless otherwise stated by the teacher. All assignments need to be completed or submitted within the time frame set by the teacher in order to be considered for examination, otherwise they must be completed over again.

In the event of a decision that the course will no longer be offered, or if the syllabus has been revised, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including the regular one) based on the previous syllabus during a time of no more than two years after the previous syllabus ceased to apply or the decision was made that the course no longer be offered.