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ENG881Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Studies In African Fiction

This course provides an intensive study of African prose fiction, focusing on its historical, sociological, and contextual aspects. It explores contemporary African issues reflected in literature, including knowledge, existence, environment, conflict, gender, fundamentalism, and tradition. Students will develop critical analysis skills, transforming information into knowledge and advocating for solutions to societal problems. The course aims to foster a deeper understanding of the African experience and promote active engagement in addressing critical issues.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
African FictionContemporary IssuesLiterary AnalysisSocial AdvocacyCultural Context

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
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

African Literature

2

Fiction Analysis

3

Contemporary African Issues

4

Literary Theory

5

Social Advocacy

6

Cultural Studies

7

Gender Studies

8

Conflict Resolution

9

Environmentalism

10

Religious Fundamentalism

11

Human Psychology

12

Ideology and Politics

13

Tradition

Total Topics13 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of literary analysis

Familiarity with African history and culture

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

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

Cultural Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Commentator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conflict Mediator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationResearchGovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsMedia and Journalism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Why we study fiction

2h

Why we study fiction

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction and course objectives.
  • •Understand the course requirements and assessment methods.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the course materials and study units.
Week
2

Module 1: Why we study fiction

3h

Unit 2: Between fiction and facts

3 study hours
  • •Explore the relationship between fiction and reality.
  • •Analyze how different literary movements represent realities.
  • •Reflect on the multi-dimensional nature of realities.
Week
3

Module 1: Why we study fiction

3h

Unit 3: The truth of fiction

3 study hours
  • •Examine the ability of fiction to imitate reality.
  • •Discuss the role of imagination in understanding truth.
  • •Analyze the differences between malignant and beneficent fictions.
Week
4

Module 1: Why we study fiction

3h

Unit 4: Why African Studies in Fiction

3 study hours
  • •Understand the historical, sociological, and contextual aspects of African fiction.
  • •Explore the issues in contemporary Africa as reflected in literary works.
  • •Create a discourse situation from the issues raised in the texts.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: African Fiction and Humanism

3 study hours
  • •Understand humanism in the context of African fiction.
  • •Explore the relationship between African fiction and humanism.
  • •Analyze how African texts reflect the well-being of Africa and Africans.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: African Fiction and Formalism

3 study hours
  • •Critically examine the history of formalism.
  • •Understand the aims of Russian Formalism and American New Criticism.
  • •Analyze the merits and demerits of studying African fiction using formalist methods.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: African Fiction and Marxism

3 study hours
  • •Understand Marxism and its application to literary criticism.
  • •Explore the relationship between African fiction and Marxist Criticism.
  • •Analyze the concepts of Socialist Realism and Social Realism.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: African Fiction and Pragmatism

3 study hours
  • •Understand Dewey's pragmatic philosophy of instrumentalism.
  • •Explore the connection between reading African fiction and making knowledge functional.
  • •Analyze how to apply knowledge derived from studying African fiction.
Week
9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: African Fiction and the Nature of Being and Existence in Africa

3 study hours
  • •Examine the themes of tragedy and meaninglessness in existence.
  • •Analyze the correlation between prophecy and life events.
  • •Discuss the effects of the absence of a father-figure on children.
Week
10

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: African Fiction and the Environment

3 study hours
  • •Explore the problematic nature of the environment in Nigeria.
  • •Analyze the relationship between humans and their environment.
  • •Discuss the role of literature in raising awareness about environmental issues.
Week
11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: African Fiction and Fundamentalism

3 study hours
  • •Gain insight into religious extremism, especially Islamic religious extremism in Nigeria.
  • •Understand the consequences of sending children to Quranic schools.
  • •Analyze the factors that contribute to religious fundamentalism.
Week
12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 4: African Fiction and Ethnic Conflict/Resolution

3 study hours
  • •Explore ethnic identity construction and its impact on ethnic conflict.
  • •Analyze the role of colonial masters in creating ethnic stereotypes.
  • •Discuss the importance of peace and development in multi-ethnic societies.
Week
13

Module 4:

3h

Unit 1: African Fiction and Gender Issues

3 study hours
  • •Examine the struggles of women in patriarchal societies.
  • •Understand the concept of feminism and its relevance to African literature.
  • •Analyze how African fiction portrays gender inequality and its impact on women's lives.

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 thoroughly.

2

Focus on understanding the key themes and issues discussed in each module.

3

Practice analyzing literary passages and formulating arguments.

4

Create concept maps linking different units and modules.

5

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback.

6

Allocate sufficient time for each question during the final examination.

7

Practice answering past examination questions.

8

Pay attention to the specific instructions and requirements for each question.

9

Develop a clear and concise writing style.

10

Support your answers with relevant examples from the course materials.

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