An Introduction To Literature And Literary Criticism
- Arts
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 140 pages
- 19 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG111, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO POETRY: ORIGIN, FORM AND STRUCTUREPage 171
- UNIT 2: LANGUAGE OF POETRYPage 179
- UNIT 3: INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY APPRECIATION OF POETRYPage 188
- UNIT 4: INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AND NON- AFRICAN POETRYPage 198
- UNIT 5 INTRODUCTION TO UNSEEN LITERATUREPage 207
- UNIT 6: APPRECIATING A POEMPage 215
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG111 · UNIT 1 INTRODUCING LITERATURE: DEFINITIONS AND FORMS
Every unit contains a list of references and further readings. Try to get as many as possible of those textbooks and materials listed. The textbooks and materials are meant to deepen your knowledge of the course.
What you should be able to do
- Define literature and literary criticism.
- Discuss the concepts and principles needed for the study and enjoyment of literary works.
- Explain the different genres of literature.
- Recognize the techniques needed in literary criticism.
- Analyze literary texts effectively.
- Enjoy and appreciate any literary work.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Editor
- Writer
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Publishing
- Education
- Journalism
- Media
- Creative Writing
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Introducing Prose
Unit 3: Introducing Drama: Tragedy
Requires understanding of complex dramatic structures and the ability to analyze the interplay between characters and plot, demanding a strong grasp of literary theory.
- Module 5: Textual Analysis
Unit 1: Textual Analysis of Prose Fiction: The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Involves detailed analysis of Ngugi's writing style and the historical context of the novel, requiring critical thinking and research skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 1: Introducing Literature: Definitions and Forms · 2 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 2Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 2: Introducing Literature: Its Characteristics I · 2 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 3Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 3: Introducing Literature: Its Characteristics II · 2 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 4Module 2: Convention and Techniques
Unit 1: Introducing Prose Works: Characteristics and Techniques · 2 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 5Module 2: Convention and Techniques
Unit 2: Introducing Prose Works: Prose Fiction · 2 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 6Module 2: Convention and Techniques
Unit 3: Introducing Prose Works: Non-Fiction · 2 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 7Module 3: Introducing Prose
Unit 1: The Nature of Drama · 2 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 8Module 3: Introducing Prose
Unit 2: Dramatic Elements and Device · 2 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 9Module 3: Introducing Prose
Unit 3: Introducing Drama: Tragedy · 2 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 10Module 3: Introducing Prose
Unit 4: Introducing Drama: Comedy and Tragicomedy · 2 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 11Module 4: Introducing Poetry
Unit 1: Introduction to Poetry: Origin, Form and Structure · 2 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 12Module 4: Introducing Poetry
Unit 2: Language of Poetry · 2 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 13Module 4: Introducing Poetry
Unit 3: Introduction to Literary Appreciation of Poetry · 2 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module and unit objectives to ensure comprehension of key concepts.
- Create detailed outlines for each genre (prose, drama, poetry) including key characteristics and techniques.
- Practice analyzing sample texts from each genre, focusing on identifying literary devices and themes.
- Develop a comparative chart highlighting the similarities and differences between African and non-African literature.
- Allocate specific study time for each module, focusing on areas of weakness identified through TMAs.
- Form study groups to discuss challenging concepts and share insights on literary analysis.
- Practice writing concise and well-supported essays on various literary topics, focusing on clear argumentation and evidence from the texts.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG111 about?
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.
How many units does ENG111 have?
ENG111, An Introduction To Literature And Literary Criticism, has 19 units across 5 modules, over 140 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG111?
ENG111 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is ENG111 hard?
ENG111 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ENG111 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.
How is ENG111 assessed?
ENG111 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with ENG111?
Literary Critic, Editor, Writer, Teacher and Journalist.