Eng: Reading and Writing in the Digital Age

In this course you will learn what it means to read different types of texts and what such texts demand of you as a reader. You will gain an understanding of a variety of textual genres and how to approach them in a critical and curious manner. You will be introduced to a multitude of textual genres used in the different disciplines of English studies and learn about the similarities and differences between these genres. By using literary terminology and appreciating figurative language, you will also develop a grasp of how texts work and what they do. You will learn how to close read and analyse literary and other types of text. These analytical skills will prepare you to engage critically with the diverse range of texts and source materials you will encounter across English studies, whether examining language variation, historical documents or literary works. Furthermore, the course will also teach you how to write an academic text. Producing an academic text means that you will become familiar with conventions for how such texts are structured, how they engage in primary and secondary sources, and how arguments are built. You will be encouraged to read, write and think creatively and critically. In this course you will also be taught how to work with digital tools and AI, and you will be asked to reflect critically on the usefulness of AI tools for reading and writing, as well as on the ethical dilemmas that may be involved in the use of AI for academic work. In other words, the course will teach you how to be a proficient university student who can read and write academically in English in the digital age. This course provides essential foundational skills and knowledge that support your work in the other first semester courses and prepares you for second semester courses, e.g. Literary Legacies.