This is an introductory course in reception studies. The course will involve close readings of primary texts and investigations into their historical reception. Film adaptations will receive special focus. This will be combined with discussions of key theoretical contributions to the field. Working from the premise that all texts are historically situated and acquire new meanings in new contexts, we will explore the reception history of a number of different texts from different historical periods. The course operates from a broad definition of text and reading – films and other cultural expressions are also texts that may be read. Skills in reception studies will raise awareness of how texts are read and understood, by oneself and others, ultimately serving to empower students, pupils and other readers in their interpretations of literary texts and films. These skills will be connected to relevant didactic theory.

• A selection of literary texts and films
• The reception history of texts, both popular and academic, including digital reception
• Literary theory
• Reception theory and adaptation theory
• Didactic theory
• Praxis-oriented perspectives on the uses of literary texts and films in teaching and other forms of culture work