Studies In African Fiction
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 167 pages
- 14 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, problem solving, research
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic knowledge of literary analysis
- Familiarity with African history and culture
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG881, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG881 · Unit 1
The ―presentation schedule‖ which has been included in your course materials gives you the important dates you are expected to complete your Tutor-Marked Assignments and attending tutorials. Remember, you are required to submit your assignments whenever it is expected of you.
What you should be able to do
- Analyze African fiction within its historical, sociological, and cultural contexts.
- Identify and evaluate contemporary African issues as reflected in literary works.
- Apply literary theories to interpret and critique African fiction.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills for understanding complex social dynamics.
- Advocate for solutions to societal problems based on insights from African literature.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the African experience and its diverse perspectives.
- Promote cultural awareness and appreciation through the study of African fiction.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Cultural Analyst
- Social Commentator
- Policy Advisor
- Conflict Mediator
- Education
- Research
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
- Media and Journalism
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 1: African Fiction and the Nature of Being and Existence in Africa
The unit requires understanding of complex philosophical concepts related to the nature of being and the impact of prophecies, which can be challenging to grasp without a strong philosophical background.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: African Fiction and Fundamentalism
The unit requires critical analysis of the root causes of religious extremism and the ability to differentiate between religious devotion and harmful fundamentalism.
- Module 3:
Unit 4: African Fiction and Ethnic Conflict/Resolution
Understanding the historical context of ethnic conflicts and the psychological factors that contribute to prejudice and discrimination requires careful analysis and synthesis of information from various sources.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 38 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Why we study fiction
Why we study fiction · 2 hours
Read the introduction and course objectives.. Understand the course requirements and assessment methods.. Familiarize yourself with the course materials and study units..
- Week 2Module 1: Why we study fiction
Unit 2: Between fiction and facts · 3 hours
Explore the relationship between fiction and reality.. Analyze how different literary movements represent realities.. Reflect on the multi-dimensional nature of realities..
- Week 3Module 1: Why we study fiction
Unit 3: The truth of fiction · 3 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 4Module 1: Why we study fiction
Unit 4: Why African Studies in Fiction · 3 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 5Module 2:
Unit 1: African Fiction and Humanism · 3 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 6Module 2:
Unit 2: African Fiction and Formalism · 3 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 7Module 2:
Unit 3: African Fiction and Marxism · 3 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 8Module 2:
Unit 4: African Fiction and Pragmatism · 3 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 9Module 3:
Unit 1: African Fiction and the Nature of Being and Existence in Africa · 3 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 10Module 3:
Unit 2: African Fiction and the Environment · 3 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 11Module 3:
Unit 3: African Fiction and Fundamentalism · 3 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 12Module 3:
Unit 4: African Fiction and Ethnic Conflict/Resolution · 3 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 13Module 4:
Unit 1: African Fiction and Gender Issues · 3 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and recommended readings thoroughly.
- Focus on understanding the key themes and issues discussed in each module.
- Practice analyzing literary passages and formulating arguments.
- Create concept maps linking different units and modules.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback.
- Allocate sufficient time for each question during the final examination.
- Practice answering past examination questions.
- Pay attention to the specific instructions and requirements for each question.
- Develop a clear and concise writing style.
- Support your answers with relevant examples from the course materials.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG881 about?
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.
How many units does ENG881 have?
ENG881, Studies In African Fiction, has 14 units across 4 modules, over 167 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG881?
ENG881 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is ENG881 hard?
ENG881 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study, problem solving and research work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ENG881 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is ENG881 assessed?
ENG881 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ENG881?
Basic knowledge of literary analysis Familiarity with African history and culture
What can I do with ENG881?
Literary Critic, Cultural Analyst, Social Commentator, Policy Advisor and Conflict Mediator.