Contemporary African literature

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

The module is meant to give students a good general introduction to Contemporary African Literature(s) and to demonstrate to them some of the ways in which creative writing in the form of prose narratives, the novel, poetry, drama, etc help create an understanding of the socio-cultural, economic and political issues that define life and existence on the African continent and its Diaspora.

The module is also meant to help encourage students develop critical and analytical skills that move away from dominant Eurocentric and Western perspectives and to present the teaching, researching, understanding and analysis of Africa from African-centred perspectives.

Workload

Total of 10 weeks teaching with 2 hours classroom contact per week.

Scope and syllabus

This module includes both African writing and work from the African Diaspora. The module aims to explore debates which have emerged around contemporary African literature and examines the establishment of an African literary tradition.

Among the topics covered are:

• questions relating to an indigenous African aesthetic
• the interaction of written literature with oral art forms
• nationalism and literature; gender and writing in the African context
• race and colonialism and the responses to colonial discourse in African writing

Method of assessment

• 30% - Essay or blog post (800 words)
• 70% - Portfolio (2500 words)
• The exact assessment deadline dates will be published on the relevant module Moodle/BLE page

Suggested reading

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

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.