Studying
literature has many benefits for the students. One of these is it presents many perspectives on life,
powerfully imagined and memorably expressed. It also exposes students to a variety of ways of thinking about the
world. Moreover, it develops the student’ language competency. This course is
the first of two courses meant to introduce students to the varieties of
literary genres- poems, plays, short stories and novels- in order to gain
understanding and appreciation of their artistry. It provides them with some details about
different literary eras as well as the study of some great literary works. It
also gives the students the opportunity to read , enjoy , and respond to
literary texts.
Aims:
The course aims to:
1. provide a
historical survey of English literature.
2. develop strategies for appreciation of
literary works.
3. develop fluency and encourage reading for
pleasure.
By the end of
the course, students will be able to:-
a) present
different perspectives about life .
b) understand
about the world by using different ways of thinking .
c) criticize
and analyze some literary works.
d) be confident
in language competence .
e) create an imaginary and anecdotal works
enabling him to think in more objectivity.
Course
Contents:
The course aims to cover the following:
1. Introduction:
A. What is Literature?
B. Why Read
Literature? Why Study It?
C. Literary and
non-literary writing
D. Denotation and connotation
E. The difference between prose and verse
F. Major literary types(novel, drama, and poetry).
2. A brief
historical survey of English literature from Anglo-Saxon period to the
18th century.
3.Basic elements of poetry and poetic forms.
Rhythm, meter, stanza, rhyme scheme , alliteration, smile,
metaphor, theme, symbolism, imagery, sonnet, pastoral, lyric, and ballad.
4-The study of selected works of major
writers who were representative of their age to demonstrate the elements of
poetry
Suggested works:-
1-Medieval ballads ‘The
Farmer’s Curst Wife’
2- Christopher Marlowe’s ‘ The Passionate Shepherd to His Love’
3-Sir Walter Raleigh’s ‘The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd ‘
4-William Shakespeare’s sonnets 18, 29. 5-Robert
Herrick’s ‘ To Daffodils’
6-William Blake’s ‘ The Chimney Sweeper’ 7-Shelly’s ‘Ode to
the West wind’
8-Elizabeth Browning’s ‘How do I love Thee’ 9- Mathew Arnold’s ‘ Dover Beach’
10-Thomas Hardy’s ‘ The Darkling Thrush’ .
