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Department of the Languages and Cultures of Africa

Swahili 4

Course Code:
155900636
Unit value:
1
Year of study:
Year 3, Year 3 of 4 or Year 4 of 4
Taught in:
Full Year
The aim of this course is to deepen the student’s understanding of Swahili literature through texts of different genres located in their respective historical contexts. In addition to a literary discussion of the texts, attention will also be paid to interrelated themes, and to their relevance to current East African societies

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Swahili I (or equivalent).

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

At the end of the course, a student should be able to read and analyze Swahili literary texts using the medium of the Swahili language. Based on a critical engagement with theoretical concepts and the possibilities of their application to literary texts, the course will develop the student's practical ability to speak and write in Swahili about Swahili novels, short stories, poems or plays. The student will also acquire detailed knowledge of the history and trends in Swahili literature.

Workload

Total of 22 weeks teaching with 2 hours per week classes plus 1 hour per week conversation.

Method of assessment

One three-hour written examination taken in May/June (50%); an oral class presentation done in Term 2 (15%); one essay of 2,500 to be submitted in the first week of Term 2 (on the day in which the course is taught) (15%); one essay of 2,500 words to be submitted in the first week of Term 3 (on the day in which the course is taught) (20%).

Suggested reading

The reading list for this course will be made available from the convenor at the beginning of the course.