Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
- To introduce students to the major genres of literature, namely prose, poetry and drama;
- To equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the different literary elements involved within each of the genres;
- To equip students with the analytical skills required to critically analyze literary texts;
- 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 materials– 15%
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 |
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
