This course introduces postgraduate students to Literary Theory and Practical Criticism. It covers varieties of criticism, the criticism of African literature, and the historical development of literary theory. Students will explore major critical approaches including Formalism, Sociological, Archetypal, Psychoanalysis, Feminism, and Marxism. The course emphasizes practical application of theories to selected texts, enhancing aesthetic appreciation and critical thinking skills. It is designed for students in English, Sociology, Linguistics, Mass Communication, Law, and Philosophy.
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Everything you need to know about this course
Key areas covered in this course
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.
How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)
Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding
Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding
Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding
Explore the career paths this course opens up for you
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge
Expert tips to help you succeed in this course
Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback to identify areas of weakness.
Create concept maps linking key theories and their proponents (e.g., Saussure and Structuralism).
Practice applying different critical lenses (Feminist, Marxist) to sample texts to understand their practical application.
Focus on understanding the historical context and key figures associated with each literary theory.
Prepare concise summaries of each theory's core tenets and criticisms to aid recall during the exam.
Develop a comparative chart outlining the similarities and differences between major critical approaches (e.g., Formalism vs. Structuralism).
Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the course outline.