ELIT324 Postmodernism in Literature

Course Summary Course Objectives Learning Outcomes Course Materials Teaching Methods Weekly Topics Course Schedule Office Hours Assestment ECTS Calculation Course Policies Learning Tips Print Syllabi Download as PNG

ELIT324 Postmodernism in Literature

Syllabus   |  International University of Sarajevo  -  Last Update on Sep 09, 2025

Referencing Curricula

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English Language and Literature

Academic Year
-
Semester
-
Course Code
ELIT324
Weekly Hours
2 Teaching + 1 Practice
ECTS
6
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Mode Delivery
Prerequisite For
-
Teaching Mode Delivery Notes
-
Cycle
I Cycle
Prof. Jane Doe

TBA

Course Lecturer

Position
-
Email
-
Phone
033 957
Assistant(s)
-
Assistant E-mail
-

Course Objectives

This course will introduce students to the key concepts of postmodernism in literature such as fragmentation, metafiction, intertextuality, unreliable narrator, and the questioning of grand narratives. Students will analyze diverse texts across genres to understand how postmodernism challenges traditional storytelling as a literary movement and how it reflects contemporary social and cultural issues. Through critical reading and discussion, students will develop skills to interpret complex narratives and explore the fluid nature of identity and reality in postmodern works but also those influenced by the movement itself. The course also aims to strengthen students’ written and oral communication.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1
Identify and define key postmodern concepts such as fragmentation, metafiction, and unreliable narration
2
Examine and compare how postmodern techniques are employed across various literary genres and texts
3
"Critically assess the ways postmodern literature challenges traditional narratives and reflects social or cultural issues "
4
Develop original interpretations and arguments about postmodern texts through written and oral form

Course Materials

Required Textbook

Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher Butler (2002)

Additional Literature

Teaching Methods

" Lectures
Tests
Class discussions
Essays
Student presentations
In-class quizzes and exams"

Weekly Topics

This weekly planning is subject to change with advance notice.
Week Topic Readings / References
1 Introduction to Postmodernism: Definitions and Historical Context Text: Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher Butler, referencing The Great Tradition by F. R. Leavis
2 The Bridge Between Modernism and Postmodernism Text: Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse OR Chimera by John Barth
3 Metafiction and Fragmentation Text: Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse OR Chimera by John Barth
4 Postcolonial Theory: Questioning Grand Narratives Text: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
5 Unreliable Narrators Text: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
6 Intertextuality and Novel Text: The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
7 Intertextuality and Novel Text: The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
8 Mid-term exam
9 Postmodern Poetry
10 Metatheater Text: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
11 Irony, Satire, Parody Text: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams OR Pricksongs and Descants by Robert Coover OR a novel by Terry Pratchett
12 Irony, Satire, Parody Text: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams OR Pricksongs and Descants by Robert Coover OR a novel by Terry Pratchett
13 Memory and Identity Text: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
14 Memory and Identity Text: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
15 Student Presentations

Course Schedule (All Sections)

Course Schedules with all sections will be available here soon.

Office Hours & Room

Course Office hours will be available here soon.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment Components

30%x1
Final Exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4

30%x1
Mid-term exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4

15%x1
Assignment
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4

15%x1
Presentation
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4

10%x2
Quiz
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4

IUS Grading System

Grading Scale IUS Grading System IUS Coeff. Letter (B&H) Numerical (B&H)
0 - 44 F 0 F 5
45 - 54 E 1
55 - 64 C 2 E 6
65 - 69 C+ 2.3 D 7
70 -74 B- 2.7
75 - 79 B 3 C 8
80 - 84 B+ 3.3
85 - 94 A- 3.7 B 9
95 - 100 A 4 A 10

Late Work Policy

Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.

ECTS Credit Calculation

📚 Student Workload

This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:

Lecture hours

42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)

In-term exam study

13 hours ⏳ (1 week × 13 h)

Quiz

20 hours ⏳ (4 week × 5 h)

Final exam study

45 hours ⏳ (3 week × 15 h)

Home study

14 hours ⏳ (14 week × 1 h)

Presentation

16 hours ⏳ (2 week × 8 h)

150 Total Workload Hours

6 ECTS Credits


Course Policies

Academic Integrity

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.

Technology & AI Policy

Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.

Communication Policy

All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [ELIT324] in the subject line.

Academic Quality Assurance Policy

Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.

More info

Learning Tips

Engage Actively

Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.

Read and Review Purposefully

Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.

Think Critically in Assignments

Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.

Ask Questions Early

Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.

Syllabus Last Updated on Sep 09, 2025 | International University of Sarajevo

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