Introduction To Fiction
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 108 pages
- 14 units
This course introduces students to the genre of prose fiction. It explores the origin, development, and major elements of prose fiction, including plot, theme, characterization, and setting. Through textual analysis of selected short stories, novellas, and novels, students will learn to identify and discuss the characteristics of prose fiction and its various types. The course aims to enhance students' understanding of literary analysis and critical thinking skills.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 26 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG181, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG181 · UNIT 1: DEFINITION/MEANING
We will start our definition of prose fiction with the definition of the two key words, “prose” and “fiction”. Thereafter, we will try to explain prose fiction as it relates to this course, which is as a literary genre.
What you should be able to do
- Trace the origin and evolution of prose fiction
- Discuss the major elements of prose fiction
- Explain the major thematic thrusts of selected texts
- Analyze short stories, novellas, and novels
- Identify different types of prose fiction
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Editor
- Content Writer
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Publishing
- Education
- Media
- Journalism
- Content Creation
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 5: Point of View
Requires understanding of narrative perspective and how it shapes the reader's experience, which can be challenging to grasp initially.
- Module III: Textual analysis
Unit 4: The African Novel: AyiKweiArmah' *The Beautyful Ones Are not Yet Born*
Requires critical thinking and analytical skills to identify and interpret literary devices and themes within the text.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module I: What is Prose Fiction?
Unit 1: Definition/Meaning · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Definition/Meaning. Understand the definition of prose, fiction, and prose fiction. Differentiate prose fiction from other prose works.
- Week 2Module I: What is Prose Fiction?
Unit 2: Origins · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Origins. Identify the origins of prose fiction. Explore the influence of epics and romances.
- Week 3Module I: What is Prose Fiction?
Unit 3: Characteristics of Prose Fiction · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Characteristics of Prose Fiction. Understand the concept of verisimilitude. Differentiate between atmosphere and tone.
- Week 4Module I: What is Prose Fiction?
Unit 4: Types of Prose Fiction · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Types of Prose Fiction. Identify different types of prose fiction. Explore the characteristics of novels, novelettes, and short stories.
- Week 5Module I: What is Prose Fiction?
Unit 5: The Rise /Development of Prose Fiction · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: The Rise /Development of Prose Fiction. Trace the development of prose fiction. Discuss the factors that contributed to its rise.
- Week 6Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 1: Plot · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Plot. Understand the concept of plot. Differentiate between simple and complex plots.
- Week 7Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 2: Theme/Subject Matter · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Theme/ Subject Matter. Understand the concept of theme. Differentiate between theme and subject matter.
- Week 8Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 3: Characterisation · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Characterisation. Understand the concept of characterization. Identify different types of characters.
- Week 9Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 4: Setting · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Setting. Understand the importance of setting. Identify different types of setting.
- Week 10Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 5: Point of View · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: Point of View. Understand the concept of point of view. Identify different types of point of view.
- Week 11Module II: Elements of Prose Fiction
Unit 6: Language · 2 hours
Read Unit 6: Language. Understand the use of language in prose fiction. Explore the concepts of atmosphere, tone, symbolism, and allegory.
- Week 12Module III: Textual analysis
Unit 1: The Short Story : Chinua Achebe's "The Vengeful Creditor" · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: The Short Story : Chinua Achebe's "The Vengeful Creditor". Analyze the theme, plot, setting, characterization, and language of the short story.
- Week 13Module III: Textual analysis
Unit 2: The Novella : Mariama Ba's *So Long a Letter* · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: The Novella : Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter. Analyze the theme, plot, setting, characterization, and style of the novella.
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and assigned readings
- Focus on key concepts and definitions
- Practice analyzing different types of prose fiction
- Prepare for essay questions on major themes and elements
- Create outlines summarizing the main points of each unit
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG181 about?
This course introduces students to the genre of prose fiction. It explores the origin, development, and major elements of prose fiction, including plot, theme, characterization, and setting. Through textual analysis of selected short stories, novellas, and novels, students will learn to identify and discuss the characteristics of prose fiction and its various types. The course aims to enhance students' understanding of literary analysis and critical thinking skills.
How many units does ENG181 have?
ENG181, Introduction To Fiction, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 108 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG181?
ENG181 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is ENG181 hard?
ENG181 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ENG181 take to study?
About 26 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is ENG181 assessed?
ENG181 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ENG181?
Literary Critic, Editor, Content Writer, Teacher and Journalist.