Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

 

  1. To introduce students to the major genres of literature, namely prose, poetry and drama;
  2.  To equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the different literary elements involved within each of the genres;
  3. To equip students with the analytical skills required to critically analyze literary texts;
  4. To develop students’ ability to identify and select elements found in literary texts and creatively adapting them for a dramatic performance.

This introductory course aims to provide students a flavor of the major genres of literature- prose, poetry and drama. Through this course, students will study the different characteristics of each genre, identify the literary elements involved, and make sense of their significance in works of literature. Through discussions and written practice, students will also be trained in aspects of critical appreciation.

 

References

Barnet, S. 1985. A short guide to writing about literature. London: Bartsford.

DiYanni, R. 1990. Literature, reading fiction, poetry, drama and the essay. New York:     McGraw-Hill.

Gower, R. & Pearson, M. 1986. Reading literature. London: Longman.

Roberts, E. V. & Jacobs, H. 1989. Fiction- an introduction to reading and writing. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.

Kennedy, X.J. & Kennedy, D. M. 2002. Literature, an introduction to fiction, poetry and drama. Boston: Little Brown.

 

Course Evaluation:

 

1.      Essay 1 (structured personal response to a short story) – 10%

Due: Week 5

2.      Participation in web forum and other web activities 15%

3.      Essay 2 (critical essay-major assignment) – 20%

Due: Week 12

4.      Web Based Teaching materials15%

 Due:  Week 14

 5.    Final Exam – Novel & Poetry - 40%

 

 Proposed Schedule

WEEK

LECTURE

TUTORIAL

REMARKS

1

 

General introduction to course/ defining genres / characteristics of the short story  - Uztazah Inayah

Analyzing the  theme and salient features of the short  story Ustazah Inayah  and participate in the  discussion.

Course requirements & procedures.

Assignments/examination.

2

  

Setting and plot
Tell Tale Heart

Compare and contrast the setting and plot of  Ustazah Inayah and The Prophesy

 

 

3

 

Characterization and theme

The Rocking Horse Winner

 

Analyze the characters in both the stories in greater detail and participate in  quiz.

 

 Forum 1

4

 

 

 

Point of View/ Narrative Techniques- A Rose for Emily

Analyzing the point of view and narrative techniques with reference to Everyday Use

 

 

5

 

Introduction to the novel

Setting and plot.

Analyzing the role of dual setting in developing the plot of Things Fall Apart .

Essay 1 due (15%)

Length: 3-4 pages. Quiz

 

6

 

Characterization and theme

 

 

Detailed examination of all the characters and their roles in moving the story – group activity. 

 

7

Narrative technique and point of view

 

 

 

 

Identifying narrative techniques and the point of view employed in Things Fall Apart . Are they the most effective?

 

 

 

Mid Semester Break

 

 

 

 

8

Characteristics of a play

Setting and plot

Group work – Examine the various issues raised in Death of a Salesman and the function of setting to enhance the theme

 

9

Characterization and theme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Characterization in Death of a Salesman – Task sheet and presentation.

Forum 2

10

Act  by Act analysis of the Play

Major Issues and conflicts

Start Working on Web Based Activities

11

Characteristics of poetry

Paraphrasing/ imagery/persona

Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?

Group work- task sheet-  Paraphrasing/ imagery/persona

Oh, My Love is like a Red, Red Rose   and Do Not Go Gently into that Good Night  

                           

Essay 2 due (20%)

Length: 3-4 pages.

Quiz

12

Figurative language

Metaphor/simile/symbolism

Dulce Et Decorum Est          

 

A detailed analysis of Tembusu and Ode on a Grecian Urn – group and pair work

Forum 3

13

Sound- alliteration, assonance,

rhyme scheme

Narrative voice and tone

 

Mother to Son             

                                                     

Examining the Sound- alliteration, assonance,

rhyme scheme

Narrative voice and tone with reference to Mother to son and  The eagle                                 

 

14

Revision

 

Web Based Activities Due 15%

16-17

Final examination

 

40%

Literary Texts

1.      Short Stories

a.     Ustazah Inayah

b.     The Tell-Tale Heart

c.      The Rocking Horse Winner

d.     Everyday Use

e.     A Rose For Emily

f.       The Prophesy

2.     Novel

a.     Things Fall Apart- Chinua Achabe

 

3.     Play – Death of a Salesman- Arthur Miller 

 

4.     Poems

a.     Dulce Et Decorum Est

b.     Sonnet XVIII: Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer’s Day

c.      My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose

d.     My Papa’s Waltz

e.     I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud

f.       The Eagle

g.     Do Not Go Gentle Into The Goodnight

h.     Ode On a Grecian Urn

i.        Mother To Son

j.       Tembusu

 

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