Norrland Noir. Darkness and tradition in Northern crime novels and speculative fiction, 7.5 Credits

Contents

"Nordic Noir" has become an internationally acknowledged term for Nordic crime fiction. This course deepens and broadens the term, with a focus shift to a specific and vital branch which we call "Norrland Noir". This includes both contemporary and historical crime fiction, speculative fiction and suspense fiction, as well as literature from a long tradition of dark themed literature set in Norrland, preferably written by authors from the Northern part of Sweden. Several of these will be highlighted in this course, from different thematic perspectives. Through this, the course also gives a basic orientation in Northern literary history as well as relevant research. 

Module 1: Introduction: tradition and darkness (2,5 ects)
The module presents a historical background to the concept "Norrland Noir" as part of a "dark" tradition in Northern literature through relevant literary research in the field and a selection of older literary texts.

Module 2: Thematic perspectives: place and darkness (5 ects)
The module presents a broad orientation on contemporary Northern literature which can be related to the concept of "Norrland Noir", from different thematic perspectives. A selection of literary texts is analyzed through genre-related theories as well as post-colonial studies and other relevant theoretical perspectives.  

The selection of literature as well as the emphasis of different thematic perspectives for seminars and assignments may vary from year to year. 

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1: Introduction: tradition and darkness (2,5 ects)
After completing Module 1 the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding 

• account for the historic and literary background for the concept "Norrland Noir". 

 Skills and abilities 

• analyze and discuss Northern literature against the backdrop of relevant concepts and theories in literary studies.  

 Judgment and approach 

• reflect on and independently analyze different perspectives on Northern literature. 

Module 2: Thematic perspectives: place and darkness (5 ects)
After completing Module 2 the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge of contemporary Northern literature in various genres with regard to the concept of "Norrland Noir". 

Skills and abilities 

• analyze literary works in different genres with a starting point in thematic perspectives and the works' relationship to Northern literary history.  

 Judgment and approach 

• compare, discuss and evaluate different theoretical approaches to literary works in different genres. 

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The course is campus based. Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, group exercises, and individual work. When attendance at lectures or exercises is compulsory, that is, of the examining nature, it is specifically stated in the schedule. In case of absence on a compulsory occasion, supplementary information is provided by the teacher. 

For those who are registered for a course and have a disability, there are resources for special support. For more information, contact the Student Center. 

Examination modes

Module 1: Introduction: tradition and darkness (2,5 ects)
The module is examined through a mandatory seminar and an individual assignment. The seminar is graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). The individual assignment is graded with Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass the module (min. grade G (Pss)) all mandatory parts are required, and the seminar must have received the grade G. To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the module, all mandatory parts are required (grade G), and the individual assignment must have received the grade VG. 

Module 2: Thematic perspectives: place and darkness (5 ects)
The module is examined continuously through mandatory seminars and an individual assignment. The seminars are graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). The individual assignment is graded with Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). To pass the module (min. grade G (Pass)) all mandatory parts are required, and the seminars must have received the grade G. To receive Pass with distinction (VG) for the module, all mandatory parts are required (grade G), and the individual assignment must have received the grade VG. 

For each examining part of the course there is a regular examination given with a second reexamination within two months after the regular examination. For examinations performed in May and June, the first reexamination are offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition to this, a third reexamination is given within a year after the end of the course. Those who have passed the test may not undergo a re-test for higher grades. 
 
A student who does not fully meet the objectives of an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, after a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement in order to achieve the examination assignment's criteria for a passing grade. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal(s) not achieved by the student and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results, but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unsuccessful result to pass, supplementation for higher grades is not permitted. 

The examiner can decide on deviations from the syllabus' examination form. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination which is then communicated to the student.

To pass the course, all exams and compulsory parts must be passed. The grade constitutes a summary assessment of the results in the various parts of the examination and is only set when all compulsory parts have been approved. To obtain the grade Pass with distinction on the entire course, the student must have received this grade on module 2. 

Students who are registered for a course and have registered credits in Ladok on the course have the right to be examined on the course and its parts up to two years after the first registration date. A student who, without a passing grade, has passed an ordinary examination and a re-examination for the course, has the right to have another examiner appointed at the next re-examination, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Requests for a change of examiner are made to the director of studies at the Department of Culture and Media Studies. 

Transfer of credits
Information about credit transfer of previous courses can be found on Umeå University's student web.  

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with similar content, such as for example 1LV074 Norrland Noir. Svärta och tradition (7,5 ects). In case of doubt, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Cultural and Media Studies.