Studies In Written African Poetry

1. Provide a general overview on poetry
2. Outline the oral background of African poetry
3. Discuss the background and scope of written African poetry
4. Examine the concept of aesthetics in African poetry
5. Discuss the poetry of some pioneer African writers
6. Examine the idea of poetry and African experience
7. Discuss the relationship between colonial rule and African poetic response

13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 1: An Overview on Poetry · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 2: Oral Background of African Poetry · 3 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..

3. Week 3Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 3: Background and Scope of Written African Poetry · 3 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..

4. Week 4Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 4: Aesthetics in African Poetry · 3 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..

5. Week 5Module 1: BACKGROUND OF WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 5: Written African Poetry: The Pioneers · 3 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 1: Poetry and African Experience · 3 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..

7. Week 7Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 2: Colonial Rule and African Poetic Response · 3 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..

8. Week 8Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 3: Shortcomings of African Independence · 3 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..

9. Week 9Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

   • Unit 4: Africa's Cultural Crisis/Cultural Rediscovery · 3 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..

10. Week 10Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

    • Unit 5: Poets in Exile · 3 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..

11. Week 11Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

    • Unit 6: New Protest Voices · 3 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..

12. Week 12Module 2: ISSUES IN WRITTEN AFRICAN POETRY

    • Unit 7: The Woman's Voice · 3 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..

13. Week 13MODULE 3: SELECTED AFRICAN POETRY: THE EARLIER POETS

    • Unit 1: The Poems of Leopold Senghor · 4 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..