Literature: Nordic Noir
Course details
Course code
Q00017459Course date
Number of classes
10 sessionsTimetable
Tutor
Stephen SmithFee range
How you'll learn
Venue
OnlineLevel of study
Entry Levels 1,2,3: If you have never studied this subject before and you鈥檙e not confident in your skills, Entry levels are a good starting point.
Level 1: Covers basic skills and knowledge needed for this subject
Level 2: Building on basic knowledge or experience. Similar to Grade 4/ C at GCSE or O level in England or Standards in Scotland.
Level 3: Learn about the topic in-depth and have a broad range of skills. Independent working Equivalent to an A level in England or Higher in Scotland.
Beginners: A perfect introduction if you have no experience and skills in this subject.
Improvers: The next step if you have basic skills or knowledge but want to progress them further.
Advanced: Build on the solid experience and skills you have in this subject, applying your skills and knowledge in a more complex way.
Course overview
Course description
The genre Nordic Noir, a publishing phenomenon and the source of many small-screen drama series, has been one of the most dominant forms of popular literature in the past decades, which shows no sign of abating. We will explore the origins of the literary genre, arguing that it begins with Doctor Glas by Hjalmar Soderberg, who creates a tale of obsessive love and murder.
We will then progress to explore more recent examples of the genre, crossing several Scandinavian nations, each with its own particular landscape and cultural emphases. Seeking common features within the genre, we will discuss the psychology of murder, the audience鈥檚 desire for horror, the genre鈥檚 relationship with more traditional crime fiction and the conventional thriller.
We will also discuss issues relating to the perceived misogyny of Nordic Noir, the nature of its graphic depictions of death, and how these elements relate to questions of individual and societal attitudes to gender, sexuality, ethnicity and class.
These are important questions and require thoughtful discussion.
It is hoped that our discussions will allow an evaluation or re-evaluation of the genre and the readership鈥檚 desire to be entertained by terror, an argument that has been a live and contentious one for centuries.
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