Introduction To Nigerian Literature I
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 169 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 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 ENG113, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- Unit 1: The Development of Drama from Alarinjo Itinerant Theatre to European Concert PartiesPage 121
- Unit 2: The Popular Traveling Theatre MovementPage 132
- Unit 3 – Nigerian Drama I: Onitsha Market Literature and Ene HenshawPage 140
- UNIT 4: NIGERIAN DRAMA II: FIRST GENERATION PLAYWRIGHTSPage 147
- UNIT 5: PROTEST AND POLITICS IN NIGERIAN DRAMAPage 160
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG113 · Unit 1: Traditional Oral Narrative Forms: Myths, Legends, Folktales and Fables
The dates for submission of all assignments will be communicated to you. You will also be told the date for completing the study units and dates for examinations.
What you should be able to do
- Trace the origin and evolution of Nigerian literature in English.
- Discuss the major phases in the development of Nigerian literature.
- Recognize the colonial influences in Nigerian literature.
- Explain the major thematic thrusts of Nigerian writers.
- Appreciate the form and content of Nigerian literature in English.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Editor
- Content Writer
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Publishing
- Education
- Media
- Cultural Preservation
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature
Unit 2: Representation of Africa in the Colonialist Literature: The Writing of Joyce Cary, Joseph Conrad, Sir H. Rider Haggard.
The unit requires understanding of nuanced perspectives on colonialism and its lasting effects, demanding critical analysis of historical and cultural contexts.
- Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama
Unit 1: The Development of Drama: From Alarinjo Itinerant Theatre to the European Concert Tradition
The unit requires students to grasp the historical context and cultural significance of the Alarinjo tradition, which may be unfamiliar.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature
Unit 1: Traditional Oral Narrative Forms: Myths, Legends, Folktales and Fables · 2 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 2Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature
Unit 2: Traditional Oral Narrative Forms: Acts of Speech · 2 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 3Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature
Unit 3: Introduction to Traditional Poetry · 2 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 4Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature
Unit 4: The Performance Traditions: Festival, Rituals, Masquerades, Social/Travel Performance · 2 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 5Module I: Introduction to Traditional Oral Literature
Unit 5: Oral History as a Source of Nigerian Literature · 2 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 6Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature
Unit 1: Colonialism in Nigeria · 2 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 7Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature
Unit 2: Representation of Africa in the Colonialist Literature: The Writing of Joyce Cary, Joseph Conrad, Sir H. Rider Haggard. · 2 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 8Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature
Unit 3: The Rise of Modern Nigerian Poetry and Prose · 2 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 9Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature
Unit 4: Early Nigerian Novelists: Oluadah Equiano, D. O. Fagunwa, Amos Tutuola, Cyprain Ekwensi and Chinua Achebe · 2 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 10Module II: Colonialism and the Development of Nigerian literature
Unit 5: Pioneer Nigerian Poets- Dennis Osadebey, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Gabriel Okara. · 2 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 11Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama
Unit 1: The Development of Drama: From Alarinjo Itinerant Theatre to the European Concert Tradition · 2 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 12Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama
Unit 2: The Popular Traveling Theatre Movement: Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, Moses Olaiya. · 2 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 13Module III: The Development of Nigerian Drama
Unit 3: Nigerian Drama I: Onitsha Market Literature and Ene Henshaw · 2 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key periods and authors in Nigerian literature (Units 2-5).
- Develop character maps for major literary works, focusing on motivations and relationships (Modules 2-3).
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different literary movements (e.g., oral tradition vs. modern literature).
- Review key quotations from major authors and analyze their significance (Units 3-5).
- Focus on understanding the socio-political context of each literary period (Modules 2-3).
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG113 about?
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.
How many units does ENG113 have?
ENG113, Introduction To Nigerian Literature I, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 169 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG113?
ENG113 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is ENG113 hard?
ENG113 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ENG113 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is ENG113 assessed?
ENG113 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ENG113?
Literary Critic, Editor, Content Writer, Teacher and Journalist.