Islamic University- Gaza
Faculty of Arts
English Department
Feb. 2015
Course Outline
Novel- ENGL 2349
Dr. Sami Breem
Description of module and its aims:
This course aims to introduce students to the study of the Modern English novel. Its
objectives are to sensitize students to different kinds of analysis that are needed to
explain the complex functioning of language and to develop their interpretative skills.
In addition, they will be acquainted with different narrative techniques needed to
analyze the selected novels. Students should be able to link interpretation with
analysis using various (language-based and stylistic) activities in addition to other
contextual (cultural and ideological, historical…) aspects of the selected texts.
Students are also expected to prepare power point presentations, fill in analysis sheets
on individual chapters or the chosen novels and write short essays (500-1000 words)
on different topics.
Topics to be Covered
 Introduction: course outline- reading a novel- text selection Why study literature?
 Textual and contextual aspects (language, literature and literary criticism:
Stylistics)
 Definitions-modern English novel
 Emergence of genre- reasons- historical background
 Types of novel
 Narrative aspects (features)
 Character
 Events/action/plot
 Theme
 Narrative structure
 Symbolism
 Setting
 Intertextuality
 Speech and thought presentation
 Point of view
 Linguistic indicators of point of view (e.g. deixis, definite/indefinite reference,
schema language, anaphoric/cataphoric reference.)
 Film analysis (Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm). Students are expected to
compare between text and film of both novels.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this course students will have:
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Competency in oral communication skills through discussions and presentations.
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Identify and apply techniques of literary analysis and criticism on selected novels.
Understand technical, historical and cultural features of the English novel.
Develop analytical competence through interpretation and analysis of a range of
extracts.
 Develop reading competence.
 Competency in writing about literature/novel and repeated practice of the writing
process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing through written assignments:
paragraphs, essays, analysis sheets.
 Demonstrate how the novel enhances personal awareness, critical thinking and
creativity.
Basic texts
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..
References
Abrams. M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms, Holt, Rinehart and Winston:
Floreda. (IUG Library)
Breem, S. (1999) Studying the Modern English Novel, Phd. thesis, Nottingham:
University of Nottingham (IUG library), (Chapter 3)
Short, M. (1996) Exploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose, Harlow:
Longman. (IUG Library)
Allen, G. (2000) Intertextyality, London: Routledge. (IUG Library)
Taylor, R. (1981) Narrative Fiction and the Printed Word, London: The Macmillan
Press: London. (Chapter 2) (IUG Library)
Assessment:
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Final Exam
(60 marks)
Mid-term
(20 marks)
Class participation, written assignments (10 marks)
Analysis sheets
(5 marks)
pp presentations
(5 marks)
Attendance
(-5 marks)
!Best Wishes!