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ENG871Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Studies In Written African Poetry

This course introduces postgraduate students to the study of written African poetry. It explores the oral background, scope, and aesthetics of this genre. Students will examine the relationship between poetry and African experiences, including colonial rule and its impact. The course also covers themes of cultural crisis, rediscovery, exile, protest, and the voices of women. Through the works of selected early and contemporary African poets, students will gain a deep understanding of the themes and styles that define written African poetry.

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70h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
African poetryOral traditionColonialismNegritudeThemes and style

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

Overview of poetry

2

Oral background of African poetry

3

Written African poetry

4

Colonialism and poetry

5

Cultural identity

6

Themes and styles of selected African poets

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

Written Assessment

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

Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationPublishingCultural HeritageMedia and Journalism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

2h

Unit 1: An Overview on Poetry

2 study hours
  • •Read the course guide to understand the course structure, objectives, and assessment methods.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the course materials, including study units, textbooks, and assignment file.
  • •Organize a study schedule to allocate time for each unit and assignment.
Week
2

Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 2: Oral Background of African Poetry

3 study hours
  • •Explore the oral traditions that form the foundation of African poetry.
  • •Examine the role of folklore, myths, and proverbs in shaping poetic expression.
  • •Analyze examples of oral poetry and their influence on written forms.
Week
3

Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 3: Background and Scope of Written African Poetry

3 study hours
  • •Trace the historical development of written African poetry from its early stages to contemporary forms.
  • •Discuss the influence of colonialism, nationalism, and cultural movements on the scope of African poetry.
  • •Identify key figures and their contributions to the evolution of written African poetry.
Week
4

Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 4: Aesthetics in African Poetry

3 study hours
  • •Define and explore the concept of aesthetics in African poetry.
  • •Examine the elements of beauty, style, and artistic expression in selected poems.
  • •Discuss the role of cultural values and traditions in shaping African aesthetics.
Week
5

Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 5: Written African Poetry: The Pioneers

3 study hours
  • •Study the works of pioneer African poets and their contributions to the development of written African poetry.
  • •Analyze the themes, styles, and techniques employed by these early poets.
  • •Discuss the historical and cultural context in which these poets wrote.
Week
6

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 1: Poetry and African Experience

3 study hours
  • •Examine the relationship between poetry and the African experience, including themes of identity, culture, and history.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to reflect and interpret the realities of African life.
  • •Discuss the role of poetry in shaping and preserving African identity.
Week
7

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 2: Colonial Rule and African Poetic Response

3 study hours
  • •Explore the impact of colonial rule on African poetry and the poetic responses to colonialism.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to challenge colonial power and assert African identity.
  • •Discuss the themes of resistance, liberation, and cultural revival in colonial-era poetry.
Week
8

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 3: Shortcomings of African Independence

3 study hours
  • •Examine the themes of disillusionment, corruption, and social injustice in post-independence African poetry.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to critique the failures of African leadership and advocate for change.
  • •Discuss the role of poetry in promoting accountability and social responsibility.
Week
9

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 4: Africa's Cultural Crisis/Cultural Rediscovery

3 study hours
  • •Explore the themes of cultural crisis and rediscovery in written African poetry.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to reclaim and celebrate African cultural heritage.
  • •Discuss the role of poetry in promoting cultural pride and identity.
Week
10

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 5: Poets in Exile

3 study hours
  • •Examine the themes of displacement, alienation, and longing for home in the poetry of African poets in exile.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to express the challenges and experiences of living in a foreign land.
  • •Discuss the role of poetry in maintaining cultural connections and preserving identity.
Week
11

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 6: New Protest Voices

3 study hours
  • •Explore the new voices of protest in written African poetry, including themes of resistance, social justice, and political change.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to challenge oppression and advocate for a better future.
  • •Discuss the role of poetry in promoting social awareness and activism.
Week
12

Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

3h

Unit 7: The Woman's Voice

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the representation of women's experiences, perspectives, and concerns in written African poetry.
  • •Analyze how poets use their work to challenge gender stereotypes and promote women's rights.
  • •Examine the diverse voices and themes in women's poetry, including love, motherhood, identity, and social justice.
Week
13

MODULE 3: SELECTED AFRICAN POETRY: THE EARLIER POETS

4h

Unit 1: The Poems of Leopold Senghor

4 study hours
  • •Study the poems of Leopold Senghor, focusing on his themes, style, and cultural influences.
  • •Analyze Senghor's use of imagery, symbolism, and rhythm to convey his message.
  • •Discuss Senghor's role in the Negritude movement and his contributions to African literature.

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

Review all study units and recommended readings to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the course material.

2

Pay close attention to the objectives listed at the beginning of each unit and ensure you can meet them.

3

Practice analyzing poems from different African poets, focusing on themes, style, and cultural context.

4

Create flashcards or summaries of key concepts, literary terms, and historical events.

5

Form a study group with other students to discuss challenging topics and share insights.

6

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and pay attention to tutor feedback.

7

Practice writing essays and answering questions under timed conditions to improve exam performance.

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