ENG4440 ¨C Virtual Realities in English

Course content

This course studies a selection of fictional narratives with an eye to how they portray real-life phenomena. Why do certain narrated events and experiences strike us as realistic and natural, while others seem the opposite? In literary studies, we describe this as realism, often in opposition with fantasy. In this course, we will also look for possible connections with virtual reality, a concept defining how computers can simulate lifelike and interactive experiences. Another concept worth exploring is virtual realism, which applies to the recent trend of writing novels that portray how people interact on the internet.

We will engage in close textual analysis of modern and contemporary fiction written in English, focusing particularly on how they create an illusion of reality. What techniques are used in the texts to make us believe in or accept the things represented? Traditionally, methods of mimesis (imitation) and enargeia (lively and vivid description) have been considered as most effective. We will consider these ancient techniques alongside current debates about what fiction is and how it works.

Possible topics of investigation include how times, thoughts, and places are represented; fictional selves and self-awareness; the function of factual information (e.g. references to real historical events); ideas of "natural" versus "artificial" words and expressions; narrative styles and techniques; how the worlds portrayed can spark curiosity, fear, or wonder.

The course also raises questions about creativity and imagination, even in relation to computer-generated materials. As the inventor of computer programming, Ada Lovelace, pointed out in 1843, machines cannot "originate anything" by themselves, but can they still produce narratives that are true to life? In an age of deep fakes and misinformation there is a new need to discuss illusions and effects of realism. What do we learn from studying literary texts? How can literary studies contribute to ongoing debates about artificial intelligence?

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you

• will be able to analyze modern and contemporary fiction in English from the perspective of realism,
• will understand how texts can mirror real-life experiences and create lifelike experiences,
• will be able to analyze literary techniques in close detail, while also relating the texts to particular historical and cultural contexts,
• will know how concepts derived from digital technologies, such as virtual reality, can be applied in literary studies,
• will have gained technical and analytical skills that are applicable in many different lines of work, including content production for digital media,
• have developed skills in critical writing and argumentation that are transferrable to most areas of professional employment.

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.

Teaching

Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks.

Obligatory activities:

• You must submit a term paper draft of 5 pages by a set deadline and have this approved by the teacher in order to qualify for the exam.
• It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.

The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.

If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.

If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.

In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for?special needs accomodations.

All obligatory activities must be approved for you to sit the exam. All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester. Approved obligatory attendance and assignments are only valid the semester you attend the course.

Examination

The form of assessment?is?a term paper of approximately 10?pages (a standard page consists of 2,300 characters), plus references and bibliography. The term?paper must follow further guidelines to be distributed in Canvas. You will be offered individual term paper supervision.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

Resit an examination

A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.