Studies In Written African Literature
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 74 pages
- 17 units
This course is a 3-unit exploration of written African drama, designed to familiarize students with the works of major playwrights in contemporary African literature. It examines selected dramatists from West, East, and South Africa, focusing on themes, plot, language, and characterization. Students will study fourteen play texts, analyzing how these works reflect the lives, cultures, and relevant issues of their societies. The course aims to sharpen students' critical insight and appreciation of African drama's role in reflecting and shaping cultural identity.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG863, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- Unit 9: A study of 2 plays of Ngugi Wa Thiongo namely: I will Marry When I Want and The Trail of Didan Kimathi.Page 64
- UNIT 1Page 68
- UNIT 3: The Strong BreedPage 68
- UNIT 4: Man Talk, Woman TalkPage 69
- UNIT 5: Wedlock of the God’sPage 70
- UNIT 6: The Broken CalabashPage 71
- UNIT 7: AnowaPage 72
- UNIT 8: Sizwe Banzi is DeadPage 72
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG863 · UNIT 2
The Chattering and the Song: is the response to the dictatorial atrocities perpetrated by most African despots and the call for a revolt against oppression, autocracy and dictatorship that will usher in a new society where there will be equality and social justice.
What you should be able to do
- Analyze themes in modern African drama
- Explain plot structures in African plays
- Identify linguistic devices used in African drama
- Examine character development in African plays
- Discuss the cultural relevance of African drama
- Evaluate the success of playwrights in handling themes
What it prepares you for
- Cultural critic
- Literary analyst
- Drama teacher
- Play director
- Cultural officer
- Education
- Arts and Culture
- Media and Entertainment
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Death and the King's Horseman
Complex symbolism and philosophical undertones require careful interpretation of Yoruba cosmology and the concept of ritual suicide.
- Module 5:
Unit 5: Wedlock of the Gods
The play explores themes of tradition versus modernity, and the tragic consequences of defying cultural norms, requiring critical analysis of Igbo customs.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Course Outline for ENG 863: Studies in Written African Literature · 3 hours
Read Unit 1 introduction to African drama.. Understand the characteristics of written African drama from South, West, and East Africa.. Complete self-assessment exercises..
- Week 2Module 2:
Unit 2: The Chattering and the Song · 4 hours
Read 'The Chattering and the Song' by Femi Osofisan.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 2: Morontudun · 4 hours
Read 'Morontudun' by Femi Osofisan.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 4Module 3:
Unit 3: The Strong Breed · 4 hours
Read 'The Strong Breed' by Wole Soyinka.. Analyze the plot, characterization, and language.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 5Module 3:
Unit 3: Death and the King's Horseman · 4 hours
Read 'Death and the King's Horseman' by Wole Soyinka.. Analyze the plot, characterization, and language.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 6Module 4:
Unit 4: Man Talk, Woman Talk · 5 hours
Study the themes in modern African drama.. Read 'Man Talk, Woman Talk' by Ola Rotimi.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 7Module 4:
Unit 4: Kurunmi · 4 hours
Read 'Kurunmi' by Ola Rotimi.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 8Module 5:
Unit 5: Wedlock of the Gods · 4 hours
Read 'Wedlock of the Gods' by Zulu Sofola.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 9Module 5:
Unit 5: King Emene · 4 hours
Read 'King Emene' by Zulu Sofola.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 10Module 6:
Unit 6: The Broken Calabash · 4 hours
Read 'The Broken Calabash' by Tess Onwueme.. Analyze the plot, language, and dramatic techniques.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 11Module 6:
Unit 6: The Desert Encroaches · 4 hours
Read 'The Desert Encroaches' by Tess Onwueme.. Analyze the plot, language, and dramatic techniques.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 12Module 7:
Unit 7: Anowa · 4 hours
Read 'Anowa' by Ama Ata Aidoo.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
Unit 7: The Dilemma of a Ghost · 4 hours
Read 'The Dilemma of a Ghost' by Ama Ata Aidoo.. Analyze the plot, language, and characterization.. Complete the tutor-marked assignment..
- Week 13Final Revision
Units 1-7: Final Revision · 6 hours
Review all course materials and tutor-marked assignments.. Prepare for the final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all assigned play texts, focusing on plot, character, and themes.
- Analyze the historical and cultural context of each play.
- Practice essay questions on key themes and playwrights.
- Create character maps for each play to understand relationships and motivations.
- Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG863 about?
This course is a 3-unit exploration of written African drama, designed to familiarize students with the works of major playwrights in contemporary African literature. It examines selected dramatists from West, East, and South Africa, focusing on themes, plot, language, and characterization. Students will study fourteen play texts, analyzing how these works reflect the lives, cultures, and relevant issues of their societies. The course aims to sharpen students' critical insight and appreciation of African drama's role in reflecting and shaping cultural identity.
How many units does ENG863 have?
ENG863, Studies In Written African Literature, has 17 units across 2 modules, over 74 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG863?
ENG863 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is ENG863 hard?
ENG863 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ENG863 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 17 units.
How is ENG863 assessed?
ENG863 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ENG863?
Cultural critic, Literary analyst, Drama teacher, Play director and Cultural officer.