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ENG111Arts3 Unitsbeginner

An Introduction To Literature And Literary Criticism

This course, Introduction to Literature and Literary Criticism, is designed for first-year BA English Language students. It provides a foundational understanding of literary criticism, exploring critical theories and concepts. Students will engage with various literary texts, applying critical analysis techniques. The course covers different genres of literature, including prose, drama, and poetry, enhancing students' appreciation and analytical skills within the Nigerian context.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
LiteratureLiterary CriticismProseDramaPoetry

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definitions and Forms of Literature

2

Characteristics of Prose, Drama, and Poetry

3

Narrative Techniques in Prose Works

4

Types of Prose Fiction

5

Elements and Devices in Drama

6

Origin and Structure of Poetry

7

Language of Poetry

8

Literary Appreciation of Poetry

9

African and Non-African Poetry

10

Textual Analysis of Literary Works

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Literary Critic

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PublishingEducationJournalismMediaCreative Writing

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Concepts and Definition

2h

Unit 1: Introducing Literature: Definitions and Forms

2 study hours
  • •Read definitions of literature and its various forms.
  • •Identify and discuss the unique characteristics of literature.
  • •Explore the spoken and written forms of literature.
Week
2

Module 1: Concepts and Definition

2h

Unit 2: Introducing Literature: Its Characteristics I

2 study hours
  • •Identify and discuss the types of literature: drama, poetry, and prose.
  • •Examine the characteristics of poetry, including versification and specialized language.
  • •Explore the characteristics of prose, including fiction and non-fiction.
Week
3

Module 1: Concepts and Definition

2h

Unit 3: Introducing Literature: Its Characteristics II

2 study hours
  • •Examine the characteristics of drama, including playwright, characters, and conflict.
  • •Explore the characteristics of poetry, including poetic reality and specialized language.
  • •Analyze the use of language, images, and symbols in poetry.
Week
4

Module 2: Convention and Techniques

2h

Unit 1: Introducing Prose Works: Characteristics and Techniques

2 study hours
  • •Enumerate the characteristics of prose works.
  • •Explain narrative techniques, including first-person and omniscient narration.
  • •Identify different kinds of rhetorical forms of prose writing.
Week
5

Module 2: Convention and Techniques

2h

Unit 2: Introducing Prose Works: Prose Fiction

2 study hours
  • •Identify the different kinds of fiction: fable, allegory, romance, novel, novelette, and short story.
  • •Analyze each prose fiction type and outline its characteristics.
  • •Understand the relationship between prose fiction and falsehood.
Week
6

Module 2: Convention and Techniques

2h

Unit 3: Introducing Prose Works: Non-Fiction

2 study hours
  • •Define the term prose works and identify the types of non-fiction prose.
  • •Explore biography, autobiography, the essay, travel, and criticism as non-fiction prose.
  • •Understand the use of non-fiction prose in different real-life situations.
Week
7

Module 3: Introducing Prose

2h

Unit 1: The Nature of Drama

2 study hours
  • •Define drama and recognize its peculiarity as a form of literature.
  • •Identify the basic principles and elements of drama: action, dialogue, and conflict.
  • •Discuss the origins of drama and the ritual origin theory.
Week
8

Module 3: Introducing Prose

2h

Unit 2: Dramatic Elements and Device

2 study hours
  • •Identify the concepts and principles necessary for the reading and enjoyment of a play.
  • •Recognize the main elements of technique employed in drama: plot, setting, theme, characterization.
  • •Explore dramatic techniques such as suspense, comic relief, flashback, and foreshadowing.
Week
9

Module 3: Introducing Prose

2h

Unit 3: Introducing Drama: Tragedy

2 study hours
  • •Recognize the uniqueness of tragedy as a form of drama.
  • •Appraise the transformation of the concept of drama from the Classical period to the modern.
  • •Identify texts that illustrate each of the traditions of tragedy in drama.
Week
10

Module 3: Introducing Prose

2h

Unit 4: Introducing Drama: Comedy and Tragicomedy

2 study hours
  • •Identify the characteristic features of comedy and differentiate between comedy and tragedy.
  • •Recognize the peculiarity of tragicomedy and mention examples of comedies and tragicomedies.
  • •Explore the origins of comedy and its various forms.
Week
11

Module 4: Introducing Poetry

2h

Unit 1: Introduction to Poetry: Origin, Form and Structure

2 study hours
  • •State the origin of poetry and list the different kinds and forms of poetry.
  • •Analyze some of the poetic forms and devices in actual poetic works.
  • •Understand the relationship between poetry and imagination.
Week
12

Module 4: Introducing Poetry

2h

Unit 2: Language of Poetry

2 study hours
  • •Identify images in poetic works and bring out symbols in selected poetic works.
  • •Recognize and analyze different forms of alliteration, onomatopoeia, and assonance.
  • •Understand the use of poetic language to enhance the beauty and effectiveness of poetry.
Week
13

Module 4: Introducing Poetry

2h

Unit 3: Introduction to Literary Appreciation of Poetry

2 study hours
  • •Enumerate the forms and characteristics of a narrative poem and a lyrical poem.
  • •Undertake literary appreciation of some selected poems.
  • •Understand the relationship between types of poetry and literary appreciation.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module and unit objectives to ensure comprehension of key concepts.

2

Create detailed outlines for each genre (prose, drama, poetry) including key characteristics and techniques.

3

Practice analyzing sample texts from each genre, focusing on identifying literary devices and themes.

4

Develop a comparative chart highlighting the similarities and differences between African and non-African literature.

5

Allocate specific study time for each module, focusing on areas of weakness identified through TMAs.

6

Form study groups to discuss challenging concepts and share insights on literary analysis.

7

Practice writing concise and well-supported essays on various literary topics, focusing on clear argumentation and evidence from the texts.

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