NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

asic course in literary criticism (5 credits);
literary history from the Judeo-Christian and classical tradition to the Enlightenment (5 credits);
literary history from the Enlightenment to the contemporary era
(5 credits);
textual analysis (5 credits) in two of the following: prose, poetry and drama.
In the intermediate studies (20 credits), the students focus on the history of criticism and contemporary literary theory. A more
detailed study of major works of 20th century literary criticism is required. They also study in detail a special field in
literature, several options being available. Students learn to analyse a specific problem in some field of comparative literature
and to apply a theoretical approach in practice.
History of literary criticism (5 credits), which consists of two units: history of literary criticism and major works of
literary criticism in the 20th century;
Literary criticism, special subject areas (5 credits), two of the following: Option I; Option II (e.g. journalistic criticism,
creative writing etc.); children’s literature; popular literature;
Literary theory (5 credits), two of the following: structuralism, semiotics and narratology; post-structuralism and
deconstruction; post-modernism; feminist theory and criticism; cultural studies; phenomenology and reader-response
criticism; psychoanalysis and criticism; optional theory;
Seminar (5 credits), the Bachelor’s thesis is written during the seminar.
The aim of the advanced studies (20 credits) is to develop the student’s ability to do independent research. The student is
expected to attain extensive knowledge of one or two special fields and to master the main concepts, theories and methods of
the discipline.
Aesthetics and philosophy of literature (5 credits)
Literature, special subjects (5 credits);
Literary theory, special subjects (5 credits);
Seminar (5 credits).
In addition, a pro gradu thesis (20 credits), i.e. Master’s thesis, is required.
Students of comparative literature can choose their minors freely. They often study Finnish or Swedish literature, art history,
musicology, theatre research, aesthetics, modern languages, philosophy, history or social
sciences.