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ENG113Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Nigerian Literature I

This course introduces students to the diverse landscape of Nigerian literature, tracing its evolution from traditional oral forms to contemporary written works. It explores the socio-political influences that have shaped Nigerian writers and their thematic concerns. Students will analyze myths, legends, folktales, and poetry, examining their cultural significance and impact on modern literature. The course also delves into the colonial era and its representation in literature, fostering a critical understanding of Nigerian identity and artistic expression.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Nigerian LiteratureOral TraditionColonialismDramaPoetry

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Traditional Oral Literature

2

Colonialism in Nigerian Literature

3

Modern Nigerian Poetry

4

Early Nigerian Novelists

5

Development of Nigerian Drama

6

Onitsha Market Literature

Total Topics6 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

Content 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

PublishingEducationMediaCultural Preservation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature

2h

Unit 1: Traditional Oral Narrative Forms: Myths, Legends, Folktales and Fables

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to oral literature and its significance.
  • •Define and differentiate between myths, legends, folktales, and fables.
  • •Analyze examples of each narrative form from different Nigerian cultures.
Week
2

Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature

2h

Unit 2: Traditional Oral Narrative Forms: Acts of Speech

2 study hours
  • •Explore the rhetorical forms of oral narratives.
  • •Define and identify tongue twisters, riddles, and proverbs.
  • •Analyze the use of these forms in speeches and written literature.
Week
3

Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature

2h

Unit 3: Introduction to Traditional Poetry

2 study hours
  • •Study the different types of traditional poetry.
  • •Differentiate between musical, invocative, didactic, and ritual poetry.
  • •Analyze examples of each type and their cultural contexts.
Week
4

Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature

2h

Unit 4: The Performance Traditions: Festival, Rituals, Masquerades, Social/Travel Performance

2 study hours
  • •Examine the performance traditions in Nigerian culture.
  • •Identify dramatic elements in festivals, rituals, and masquerades.
  • •Discuss the role of storytelling, carnivals, and puppet shows.
Week
5

Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature

2h

Unit 5: Oral History as a Source of Nigerian Literature

2 study hours
  • •Explore the use of oral history as a source of Nigerian literature.
  • •Differentiate between fiction, falsehood, and history.
  • •Analyze how writers draw material from historical accounts.
Week
6

Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature

2h

Unit 1: Colonialism in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Study the impact of colonialism on Nigerian culture and tradition.
  • •Analyze the effects of colonialism on Nigerian religion and politics.
  • •Discuss the implications of colonialism on Nigerian literature.
Week
7

Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature

2h

Unit 2: Representation of Africa in the Colonialist Literature: The Writing of Joyce Cary, Joseph Conrad, Sir H. Rider Haggard.

2 study hours
  • •Examine the representation of Africa in colonialist literature.
  • •Analyze the writings of Joyce Cary, Joseph Conrad, and Rider Haggard.
  • •Discuss the influence of colonialist literature on African writers.
Week
8

Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature

2h

Unit 3: The Rise of Modern Nigerian Poetry and Prose

2 study hours
  • •Trace the rise of modern Nigerian poetry and prose.
  • •Study the role of early missionaries and colonial education.
  • •Identify the contribution of publishing houses to Nigerian literature.
Week
9

Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature

2h

Unit 4: Early Nigerian Novelists: Oluadah Equiano, D. O. Fagunwa, Amos Tutuola, Cyprain Ekwensi and Chinua Achebe

2 study hours
  • •Explore the works of early Nigerian novelists.
  • •Analyze the writings of Olaudah Equiano, Amos Tutuola, and Cyprian Ekwensi.
  • •Discuss the themes and influences in their novels.
Week
10

Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature

2h

Unit 5: Pioneer Nigerian Poets- Dennis Osadebey, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Gabriel Okara.

2 study hours
  • •Study the works of pioneer Nigerian poets.
  • •Analyze the poetry of Dennis Osadebey, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Gabriel Okara.
  • •Discuss their thematic preoccupations and styles.
Week
11

Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama

2h

Unit 1: The Development of Drama: From Alarinjo Itinerant Theatre to the European Concert Tradition

2 study hours
  • •Trace the development of Nigerian drama from Alarinjo to European concert traditions.
  • •Discuss the contributions of the Alarinjo and Saro-elites.
  • •Identify the earliest Nigerian plays on stage.
Week
12

Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama

2h

Unit 2: The Popular Traveling Theatre Movement: Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, Moses Olaiya.

2 study hours
  • •Study the popular traveling theatre movement.
  • •Analyze the works of Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, and Kola Ogunmola.
  • •Discuss the link between popular theatre and written plays.
Week
13

Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama

4h

Unit 3: Nigerian Drama I: Onitsha Market Literature and Ene Henshaw

2 study hours
  • •Explore Nigerian drama through Onitsha Market Literature and Ene Henshaw.
  • •Define Onitsha Market Literature and its themes.
  • •Identify the contributions of Ene Henshaw to Nigerian drama.

Unit 4: Nigerian Drama II: First Generation Playwrights

2 study hours
  • •Review key concepts and themes from the course.
  • •Prepare for final examination by revisiting assignments and study materials.
  • •Focus on areas of weakness and seek clarification from the tutor.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key periods and authors in Nigerian literature (Units 2-5).

2

Develop character maps for major literary works, focusing on motivations and relationships (Modules 2-3).

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different literary movements (e.g., oral tradition vs. modern literature).

4

Review key quotations from major authors and analyze their significance (Units 3-5).

5

Focus on understanding the socio-political context of each literary period (Modules 2-3).

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