Approaches to Realism
Proceeding from the observation that mimesis, or the representation of reality, is one of the oldest issues in the history of literature, this course aims to introduce you to central arguments that have evolved around realism, broadly conceived. What is meant by realism? How does realism relate to the real? Is realism a style, a literary period, a political attitude, or a rhetorical trick? These and related questions, including also postmodern perspectives, will be addressed in the course. The readings are divided between literary texts and critical commentary that ranges from Plato and Aristotle to contemporary theory; each seminar will be structured around an authoritative intervention (or set of interventions) in the debates on realism. As the course progresses, you will be encouraged to formulate independent positions in relation to these debates. Ultimately, the intention is to enable a textured and historically grounded appreciation of realism as an open question rather than a closed book.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to our department!
We look forward to welcoming you to our department. Course information, as well as other information ahead of the start of term (such as registration dates), is available on each course site.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
Proceeding from the observation that mimesis, or the representation of reality, is one of the oldest issues in the history of literature, this course aims to introduce you to central arguments that have evolved around realism, broadly conceived. What is meant by realism? How does realism relate to the real? Is realism a style, a literary period, a political attitude, or a rhetorical trick? These and related questions, including also postmodern perspectives, will be addressed in the course. The readings are divided between literary texts and critical commentary that ranges from Plato and Aristotle to contemporary theory; each seminar will be structured around an authoritative intervention (or set of interventions) in the debates on realism. As the course progresses, you will be encouraged to formulate independent positions in relation to these debates. Ultimately, the intention is to enable a textured and historically grounded appreciation of realism as an open question rather than a closed book.
Information on registration autumn 2024
Registration
If you are admitted and have accepted an offer of a place, please note that you also need to register in August. Registration is mandatory and will be open in Ladok for admitted students between 5 and 18 August. You need to register on time to confirm and keep your place.
Registration is done online. You can register online through Ladok if you are accepted to the course without conditions. You need to have activated your account, but please note the below information on logging into Ladok.
Important: As of 1 January 2024, you must use eduID or your account on antagning.se to log in to Ladok. Read more: Temporary way to log in to Ladok starting in the New Year.
If you are conditionally admitted, the conditions have to be fulfilled in order to register and start the course. Contact our Student Affairs Office when registration opens if you have questions.
Athena
After registration or before the course starts, you will get access to Stockholm university's web-based learning platform Athena where course material from teachers will be made available. You use the same login details on Athena as for your university account.
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Course structure
Course description:
Approaches to Realism, HT24 (pdf) (146 Kb)
Teaching format
The teaching comprises seminars. Active participation is expected from students in all teaching formats in order to pass the examination. Students will often work with different tasks and assignments during the seminars in preparation for the examination. Apart from scheduled teaching, time will be spent reading course literature and completing mandatory assignments.
Assessment
Two written essays.
Examiner
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Teacher: Giles Whiteley
Student Affairs Office
- Visiting address
Södra huset, room E882
Universitetsvägen 10 E, 8th Floor
- Office hours
Regular office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11.00 - 12.00.
- Phone hours
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10.00 - 11.00.
- Irregular office hours
Phone hours on 30 September are cancelled.
