World Literatures in English
- Arts
- 900 level
- 3 credit units
- 3 pages
- 1 units
This course explores World Literatures in English from the perspective of global unity. It examines how the English language has influenced literary expressions across different regions and, in turn, how it has been adapted by its users. The course investigates the historical, political, and socio-cultural experiences that shape writers' choices in using English, leading to diverse literatures in English. Students will analyze various genres, themes, and styles within these literatures.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study, research
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG919, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the scope and rationale for studying world literatures.
- Relate selected texts to dominant theories in literary criticism.
- Trace the socio-political and historical conditions that undergird different literatures in English.
- Distinguish between various genres, themes, and styles of these literatures.
- Appreciate the ways in which the English language has been given its international flavor by foreign writers.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Editor
- Content Writer
- Academic Researcher
- Cultural Analyst
- Publishing
- Education
- Journalism
- Media
- Cultural Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Theoretical Frameworks
Unit 1: Theories in World Literature
Understanding and applying complex literary theories requires a strong foundation in critical analysis.
- Module 8: Gender Studies
Unit 7: Feminism and Development
Grasping the nuances of feminist theory and its application to development contexts can be challenging.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to World Literatures in English
Introduction · 3 hours
Read the introduction to understand the rationale for studying World Literatures.. Identify the impact of English as a global language on literary expressions..
- Week 2Module 2: Theoretical Frameworks
Unit 1: Theories in World Literature · 3 hours
Explore theories applicable to various genres and features of world literatures.. Analyze excerpts from texts to identify changes in the English language..
- Week 3Module 3: Socio-Political Contexts
Unit 2: National and Regional Trends · 3 hours
Compare and contrast national and regional trends in world literatures.. Examine the socio-political and historical conditions that influence different literatures in English..
- Week 4Module 4: Literary Expressions
Unit 3: Themes and Forms in World Literatures · 3 hours
Explore distinct themes and forms in sampled world literatures.. Identify literary expressions unique to different regions..
- Week 5Module 5: Internationalization of English
Unit 4: Domestication of English · 3 hours
Analyze how the English language has been domesticated in various texts.. Discuss the impact of foreign writers on the international flavor of English..
- Week 6Module 6: Critical Analysis
Unit 5: Literary Criticism and World Literatures · 3 hours
Relate selected texts to dominant theories in literary criticism.. Discuss the application of postcolonial theory to specific literary works..
- Week 7Module 7: Writers and National Identity
Unit 6: The Role of the Writer · 3 hours
Examine the role of the writer in shaping national identity.. Analyze Chinua Achebe's perspective on the writer's role in a new nation..
- Week 8Module 8: Gender Studies
Unit 7: Feminism and Development · 3 hours
Explore the concept of feminism in the context of development.. Discuss theoretical perspectives on gender and development..
- Week 9Module 9: African Literature and Politics
Unit 8: Politics and African Literature · 3 hours
Analyze the impact of politics on African literature.. Discuss the relationship between culture and literary form in African writing..
- Week 10Module 10: American Literary Canon
Unit 9: Rewriting the American Canon · 3 hours
Examine the concept of rewriting the American literary canon.. Discuss reflections on the changing American literary landscape..
- Week 11Module 11: Language and Decolonization
Unit 10: Decolonising the Mind · 3 hours
Explore the politics of language in African literature.. Discuss the decolonization of the mind through language..
- Week 12Module 12: Course Review
Review of Key Concepts · 4 hours
Review key concepts and theories discussed throughout the course.. Prepare for assignments by revisiting relevant texts and critical analyses..
- Week 13Module 13: Exam Preparation
Exam Preparation · 4 hours
Final preparation for the examination.. Focus on understanding the broader themes and critical approaches..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key literary movements and their representative authors from Units 1-3.
- Develop comparative charts outlining the themes and styles of different world literatures covered in Units 4-7.
- Practice applying literary theories (e.g., postcolonialism, feminism) to specific texts from Units 8-10.
- Review critical essays and journal articles related to the course topics.
- Focus on understanding the socio-political contexts that influence literary works.
- Prepare concise summaries of each unit's main points for quick reference.
- Participate in online forums or study groups to discuss challenging concepts.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG919 about?
This course explores World Literatures in English from the perspective of global unity. It examines how the English language has influenced literary expressions across different regions and, in turn, how it has been adapted by its users. The course investigates the historical, political, and socio-cultural experiences that shape writers' choices in using English, leading to diverse literatures in English. Students will analyze various genres, themes, and styles within these literatures.
How many units does ENG919 have?
ENG919, World Literatures in English, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 3 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG919?
ENG919 carries 3 credit units, at 900 level in Arts.
Is ENG919 hard?
ENG919 is rated advanced level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, case study and research work.
How long does ENG919 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.
How is ENG919 assessed?
ENG919 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ENG919?
Literary Critic, Editor, Content Writer, Academic Researcher and Cultural Analyst.