Courses: Department of Central Eurasian Studies

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Modern Finnish Literature Catalog Number CEUS-U 535
Anna Pajunen

The course concentrates on the history and development of the Finnish literature from so called Neo-Realism in the early 20^th century to recent publications. The work of key authors will be discussed as representatives of their historical period in the context of surrounding Finnish society. The literary history is mainly presented by the instructor. Nevertheless, there will also be articles and books both in English and Finnish to provide the student with sufficient background information for the analyses. The language of the course is Finnish.

Exams: There is no exam in this class. Attendance and active participation is required, and they will constitute a major part of the final grade. Assignments on novels, short stories, essays and poetry. Two or three presentations/analyses of literary works and one or two papers on literary subjects (periods, authors, etc.).

Required readings:

Koskela, Lasse: Suomalaisia kirjailijoita, Helsinki 1990.

Laitinen, Kai: Suomen kirjallisuuden historia, Keuruu 1991.

Varpio, Yrjö: Pohjantähden maa. Vammala 1999. (Also available in English.)

Parts of:

Lassila, Pertti (ed.): Suomen kirjallisuushistoria 3. Vammala 1999.

Rojola, Lea (ed.): Suomen kirjallisuushistoria 2. Vammala 1999.

Articles on Finnish authors and literature as well as English translations of Finnish poetry and prose from the following sources:

· Books from Finland (1976 – 2003), a quarterly published by the Finnish Literature Society. (Anthologies in English.)
· A way to measure time. Contemporary Finnish Literature. Finnish Literature Society. Helsinki 1992.