IBS4105 – Ibsen Between Cultures

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Ibsen Between Cultures engages with a broad notion of "culture". In the traditional sense, Ibsen Between Cultures examines the use of Ibsen’s works in a few selected cultures defined by geography / ethnicity / language. A central feature is to examine the mechanisms that are fundamental to the establishment of aesthetic hierarchies, more specifically the global forces influencing the adoption of these texts within the time frame. In addition, we look at how media culture is shaping the field of Ibsen Studies today. In addition to studying theatre, film and TV adaptations, we also study productions of Ibsen’s life and works in newer digital media such as in live online events and mobile phone applications.

The methodologies covered in this course reflect the wide range of cultural productions based on Ibsen’s works. Theories in Intercultural Performance, Media Studies and Cultural Studies as well as Digital Humanities form the theoretical foundation of the course. Technologies such as performance and text databases (e.g. IbsenStage, HIS, Multilingual Ibsen) as well as Virtual Reality throw new light on how Ibsen’s works, its reception, and his authorship can be studied across analogue and digital cultures. What can we learn about Ibsen’s dramaturgy and his sophisticated use of scenic devices when we visit Bergen’s Komediehuset—Ibsen’s workplace from 1851 to 1857—in virtual reality?

Learning outcome

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to

  • examine the processes of cultural transmission that involve appropriation and re-valuation;
  • understand how digital cultures impact the field of Ibsen Studies, both in (re)presentation and research;
  • apply some of the methods and theories covered in the course in one’s own research (as reflected in final exam paper).

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.