Literature

It is possible to major in Literature at the Faculty of Humanities. Students of Literature can freely choose subsidiary subjects related to the arts and culture: Art History, Film Studies, Archaeology and Museology. In addition, many other subjects from the Faculty of Humanities and other faculties are good subsidiary subjects.

Literary Studies give an insight into theories and methodology of literature research. The aim is to learn to analyse literature through theoretical principles and methodology. Literature is perceived as an aesthetic and linguistic phenomenon, which is connected to its cultural and social surroundings. Works of literary art are also discussed as part of the history of literature and literary institutions; here the focus is on the production of literature, the mediation and the reception of literature. The core areas of Literary Studies in Oulu are Northern Literature and Culture Studies.

Literary Studies offer a wide range of possibilities to choose from according to students’ individual interests and future career plans. Students can already after the Basic Studies of the first year select from several possibilities: e.g. what books they will read and write essays on, to which genre of literature and optional study programme they will direct towards. Literary Studies give a thorough knowledge of literature. These studies increase students’ abilities to write and to make good use of the acquired skills in everyday life. Academic education increases students’ abilities to endure criticism and their intellectual curiosity. Lately, the teaching of Literature has been complemented with courses on writing and web courses, take-home essay exams and self-study groups. Literature teaching and research include Northern aspects, history of literature, children’s and youth literature, science fiction, detective stories, women’s studies and gender studies – everything under the sun and the literary ground.