Introduction to Finnish Literature

No prior registration required.

The course is organised by the Department of Finnish language and literature.

Target group/Course level

Basic studies

Content

The course is an overview of Finnish literature, divided into the following sections: Finnish Folk Poetry, Literature of Finland under the Swedish Rule, Nineteenth Century Literature, 1900 to the Second World War, and Post-war Literature. The structure of the course is based on Kai Laitinen’s Literature of Finland, an outline (1985) and Suomen kirjallisuuden historia (1991) by the same author. A handout with the essential information is provided at the beginning of the course, in addition to excerpts of Finnish classics in English translation for home reading and discussion in class. The course also draws attention to the representation of Finnish literary themes in other media, such as music, movies and the Fine Arts. The course requirements are regular attendance and the submission of an essay.

Completion

The course requirements are regular attendance and the submission of an essay.