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ENG918

Main Currents in African Literature

  • Arts
  • 900 level
  • 3 credit units
  • 2 pages
  • 1 units

This course explores the diverse landscape of African literature, recognizing both the similarities and disparities across different regions, including West, East, Central, South, and North Africa. It examines predominant genres and peculiarities arising from colonial experiences in Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone regions. The course also considers the influence of Arab and Islamic cultures on North African literature, highlighting main thematic and stylistic trends that have emerged.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
40 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Final examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of ENG918, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

Module 1

What you should be able to do

  1. Identify the main currents in African literature from various regions.
  2. Analyze the impact of colonialism on African literary expression.
  3. Compare and contrast the literary styles and themes in different African regions.
  4. Evaluate the influence of Arab and Islamic cultures on North African literature.
  5. Discuss the role of literature in shaping African identity and culture.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Literary Critic
  • Cultural Analyst
  • Editor
  • Teacher
  • Content Writer
Where it is applied
  • Publishing
  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Cultural Organizations
  • Research Institutions

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 6: Regional Literatures: North Africa

    Unit 6: North African Literature

    Understanding the complex interplay of Arab, Islamic, and colonial influences requires a nuanced perspective.

  • Module 7: Genres and Colonial Influences

    Unit 8: Colonial Experiences and Literary Alterations

    Analyzing the alterations in Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone regions demands a comparative approach and deep understanding of colonial history.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

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

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Main Currents in African Literature · 3 hours

      Read the course guide and understand the objectives.. Familiarize yourself with the recommended textbooks and references.. Outline the key themes and regional variations in African literature..

  2. Week 2Module 2: Regional Literatures: West Africa
    • Unit 2: West African Literature · 3 hours

      Explore West African literature and its unique characteristics.. Analyze the works of prominent West African writers.. Discuss the impact of colonialism on West African literary themes..

  3. Week 3Module 3: Regional Literatures: East Africa
    • Unit 3: East African Literature · 3 hours

      Examine East African literature and its distinctive features.. Study the works of key East African authors.. Discuss the influence of Swahili language and culture on East African literature..

  4. Week 4Module 4: Regional Literatures: Central Africa
    • Unit 4: Central African Literature · 3 hours

      Investigate Central African literature and its specific themes.. Analyze the works of significant Central African writers.. Discuss the impact of political instability on Central African literary expression..

  5. Week 5Module 5: Regional Literatures: South Africa
    • Unit 5: South African Literature · 3 hours

      Explore South African literature and its historical context.. Study the works of prominent South African authors, focusing on apartheid.. Discuss the role of literature in the anti-apartheid movement..

  6. Week 6Module 6: Regional Literatures: North Africa
    • Unit 6: North African Literature · 3 hours

      Examine North African literature and its unique cultural influences.. Analyze the works of key North African writers, focusing on Arab and Islamic themes.. Discuss the impact of colonialism and post-colonialism on North African literary identity..

  7. Week 7Module 7: Genres and Colonial Influences
    • Unit 7: Predominant Genres in African Literature · 3 hours

      Identify predominant genres in African literature.. Analyze the characteristics of poetry, drama, and prose in different regions.. Compare and contrast the use of traditional and modern forms in African literature..

  8. Week 8Module 7: Genres and Colonial Influences
    • Unit 8: Colonial Experiences and Literary Alterations · 3 hours

      Discuss the colonial experiences that have shaped African literature.. Analyze the differences in Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone regions.. Examine the themes of resistance, identity, and cultural hybridity in post-colonial literature..

  9. Week 9Module 8: Thematic and Stylistic Trends
    • Unit 9: Arab and Islamic Influences in North African Literature · 3 hours

      Explore the Arab and Islamic influences on North African literature.. Analyze the themes of religion, culture, and identity in North African writing.. Discuss the impact of Arabic language and literary traditions on North African literature..

  10. Week 10Module 8: Thematic and Stylistic Trends
    • Unit 10: Main Thematic Trends in African Literature · 3 hours

      Identify the main thematic trends in African literature.. Analyze the recurring themes of colonialism, identity, and social justice.. Discuss the use of oral traditions and folklore in African writing..

  11. Week 11Module 8: Thematic and Stylistic Trends
    • Unit 11: Main Stylistic Trends in African Literature · 3 hours

      Examine the stylistic trends in African literature.. Analyze the use of language, imagery, and narrative techniques.. Discuss the impact of globalization on African literary styles..

  12. Week 12Module 9: Review and Conclusion
    • Unit 12: Review of Key Concepts · 3 hours

      Review the key concepts and regional variations in African literature.. Prepare for assignments by revisiting the recommended textbooks and references.. Discuss the impact of colonialism on African literary themes..

  13. Week 13Module 9: Review and Conclusion
    • Unit 13: Conclusion and Exam Preparation · 3 hours

      Consolidate your understanding of the course material.. Prepare for the final examination by reviewing all units.. Practice essay writing and critical analysis skills..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Focus on understanding the regional variations in African literature.
  • Create comparative charts for Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone regions.
  • Review the key themes and stylistic trends discussed in each unit.
  • Practice essay writing, focusing on critical analysis of literary works.
  • Pay special attention to the Arab and Islamic influences on North African literature.

Questions students ask about this course

What is ENG918 about?

This course explores the diverse landscape of African literature, recognizing both the similarities and disparities across different regions, including West, East, Central, South, and North Africa. It examines predominant genres and peculiarities arising from colonial experiences in Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone regions. The course also considers the influence of Arab and Islamic cultures on North African literature, highlighting main thematic and stylistic trends that have emerged.

How many units does ENG918 have?

ENG918, Main Currents in African Literature, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 2 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is ENG918?

ENG918 carries 3 credit units, at 900 level in Arts.

Is ENG918 hard?

ENG918 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does ENG918 take to study?

About 40 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.

How is ENG918 assessed?

ENG918 is assessed by assignments and final examination.

What can I do with ENG918?

Literary Critic, Cultural Analyst, Editor, Teacher and Content Writer.

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