Program Overview

Program Details

The Faculty Course: Narrating Madness in Literature and Culture is a 7.5-credit course aimed at master's level students and higher, interested in literature, the body, history of medicine and psychiatry, among other topics.

About the Course

Narrating Madness offers a way to cover a long chronological sweep with a focused perspective, surveying depictions of madness in western literature from the Middle Ages to the present. All texts will be read in modern English translation. The course will engage with significant modern theoretical discussions of madness and creativity as offered by Foucault, Freud, and others.

Course Structure

• The course will be partly net-based.
• The language of instruction is English, and all mandatory literature is in English.
• The course includes a number of obligatory seminars via the internet.
• Study groups in Umeå may possibly be arranged if there is enough interest.
• Access to a computer with broadband internet connection is required for participating in and completing the course tasks.

Eligibility

• Knowledge of English equivalent of English 6/English level 2 from Swedish upper secondary school.
• One of the following alternatives:
  • Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS)
  • At least 90 ECTS including a degree project or other independent scientific work of at least 7.5 ECTS, or equivalent knowledge.

Selection

Academic credits awarded by application deadline (HPAV 30-285 ECTS).

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
• Total fee: SEK 12,075

Application Process

• Apply online via the official website for higher education applications in Sweden.
• Late applications may be accepted if seats are available, but are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

Course Details

• Starts: 24 March 2026
• Ends: 7 June 2026
• Number of credits: 7.5 credits
• Type of studies: Web-based (online)
• Mandatory meetings: No mandatory meetings
• Study pace: 50%
• Teaching hours: Mixed
• Study location: Varied
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-14000

Additional Information

• Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.
• The university is ranked #1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction for international students.