Islamic University- Gaza
Faculty of Arts
English Department Jan. 2013
Course Outline
Novel- ENGL 2349
Dr. Sami Breem
This course aims to introduce students to the study of the Modern English novel. At least three novels will be studied to illustrate the different aspects of the novel. In addition certain amount of literary criticism is studied. Students will become acquainted with different narrative techniques and improve their ability to analyze literary texts. They should be able to link interpretation with analysis using various (language-based and stylistic) activities. Also, the cultural and ideological (contextual) circumstances of the texts will be discussed. Students are expected to write short essays (500-1000 words) on different topics related to the course.
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Introduction: course outline- reading a novel- text selection-
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Why study literature?
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Textual and contextual aspects (language, literature and literary criticism: Stylistics)
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Definitions-modern English novel
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Emergence of genre- reasons- historical background
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Types of novel
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Narrative aspects (features)
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Character
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Events/action/plot
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Theme
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Narrative structure
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Symbolism
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Setting
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Intertextuality
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Speech and thought presentation
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Point of view
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Linguistic indicators of point of view (e.g. deixis, definite/indefinite reference, schema language, anaphoric/cataphoric reference.)
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Film analysis (Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm). Students are expected to compare between text and film.
Hawthorn, J. (2010) Studying the Novel: an Introduction, New York: Bloomsbury.
Golding, W. (1954) Lord of the Flies, New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

Orwell, G. (1945-1989) Animal Farm, London, Penguin Books in association with
Martin Secker& Warburg Ltd..
Abrams. M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms, Holt, Rinehart and Winston: Floreda.
Breem, S. (1999) Studying the Modern English Novel, Phd. thesis, Nottingham:
University of Nottingham. (Chapter 3).
Short, M. (1996) Exploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose, Harlow:
Longman.
Allen, G. (2000) Intertextyality, London: Routledge.
Taylor, R. (1981) Narrative Fiction and the Printed Word, London: The Macmillan
Press: London. (Chapter 2)
1Final exam (60%)
2Mid-term (20%)
3Class presentations and participation (5%)
4Short written assignments (10%)
5Attendance (5%)