Literature: Nordic Noir
Course details
Course code
Q00017459Course date
Number of classes
11 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’re 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’s desire for horror, the
genre’s 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’s desire to be
entertained by terror, an argument that has been a live and
contentious one for centuries.
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