Literature: True North - An Introduction to Scandinavian Literature in the Twentieth Century

Before Scandi-Noir on television in the shape of The Killing, Borgen and The Bridge, there was a wealth of intriguing, darkly psychological literature produced in Scandinavia, and this course will range widely through discussion led sessions featuring some of the most important novels of the past 70 years, assessing the value of reading beyond the British and North American spheres of literature, which will introduce you to new novelists that you will be keen to pursue further.

Many of these texts will locate you viscerally and intellectually in the Scandinavian world, and will fascinate because of their acute vision of the psychologies of characters and the profound relationship that is seen to exist between characters and an often harsh environment, which at times approaches an existential quality. As with the majority of twentieth century literature questions of identity predominate and involve the issues of moral ethical frameworks with which characters interact and are defined by.

During the course you will travel from the closed environments of Iceland and rural Norway to the more cosmopolitan centre of nineteenth century Stockholm, where Doctor Glas practises obsessive rituals of love. This course is a must for those who are already intrigued by all things Scandinavian.