COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA
COURSE COMPACT
2014/2015 ACADEMIC SESSION
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES & GENERAL STUDIES
B.A. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMME
Programme:
Course Code:
Title:
Course Unit:
Course Lecturer:
Office No:
Semester:
Time:
Venue:
English
ENG114
Introduction to Poetry
2
Dr. Ola-Fortress
D303C
Alpha
Monday 10 a.m-12noon
E401
Brief Overview of Course
This course introduces students to the nature, elements, artistic features and characteristics of
poetry. Poems representing various periods from the Renaissance to the modern/contemporary
will be studied. Selections from the poems of some African poets will be examined. Emphasis
will be on theme, subject matter, poetic language and structure.
Course Objectives/Goals
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. know the basics of poetry, understand the application of literary devices in poetry.
2. recognize the application of poetic interpretation itself as a critical form and
3. make scholarly arguments about poetry as a distinct genre of literature.
Methods of Lecture Delivery/Teaching Aids.
1. Lectures will be presented through interactive sessions that will ensure students’
participation.
2. Power points will be prepared for multi-media projection.
3. Discussion and analyses of the selected poems.
Course Outlines
Module A: Introduction to Poetry
Weeks 1-2: Definition and nature of poetry
Weeks 3-4: Types and forms of poetry
Week5: The language and style of poetry
Week 6: Distinction between poetry and other genres of literature
Module B: Traditional Poetry
Week 7:
I “Fulani Creation story”
II “The Hunter Dies”
Module C: Nature Poetry
Week 8: i “Our Earth will not Die” – Niyi Osundare
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ii “The Grasshopper and the Cricket” John Keats
iii “The Call of River Nun” Gabriel Okara
Module D: African Poetry
Weeks 9-10:
I. “Mother Idoto”--- Christopher Okigbo
II. “Piano and Drum” - Gabriel Okara
III ‘Night Rain’---- John Pepper Clark
IV “Geology Lesson” V “Just a Passer bye — Oswald Mtshali
VI “Letters to Martha” - Dennis Brutus
VII “Sannu” (Pidgin Poem) - M.J.Vatsa
Module E: English/American/Orientals/Middle-East Poems
Week 11
I. “Ode on a Grecian Urn’—John Keats
II. “My last Duchess - Robert Browning
III. “Holy Sonnet 6” - John Donne
IV. “T.S. Eliot – Journey of the Magi
V. “Haiku Poems” – Japanese
VI. Rahila Muska’s Landay & Nadia Anjuman’s Poems
Module F: Comparative Literature
Week 12
I. Intrinsic/Extrinsic comparative poems
II. “XXII” – Niyi Osundare
III. “My Last Duchess”/ “Ode on a Grecian Urn”
IV. “Abiku” – Soyinka/Clark
V. “Stanley meets Mutesa”/The Journey of the Magi”
Week 13: Revision/Tutorials
Weeks 14- 15: Examinations
Structure of the Programme/Method of Grading
Continuous Assessment - 30%
Examination
- 70%
Total
100%
Ground Rules & Regulations
Students are expected to attend classes punctually and regularly. They are to participate actively
in class discussions. Finally, they would make special contributions by making presentations on
any other Renaissance works outside the course outlines.
Topics for Term Paper/Assignments/Students Activities
* study and write about types of poetry
* Study and write about features of poetry
* Attempt interpretations of the selected poems for study
*Analyze poems on the basis of language
Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goals
In line with the university core values of capacity building and mental productivity, this course
will expand students’ horizon as they encounter different statements of sages throughout the
ages.
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Contemporary Issues/ Industrial Relevance
This course provides a basis for students to appreciate poetic statements from great poets from
different walks of life. They will therefore be afforded the opportunity to compare and analyze
the themes of poets of ancient and modern times.
Such an exercise will enable student to determine, examine and apply relevant subject matters to
contemporary issues.
Recommended Reading/Text
1. Kelly, Joseph. ed. (2001) The Seagull Reader: Poems
New York: W. W. Norton.
2. Lenard, John. (1996). The Poetry Handbook: A Guide to Reading Poetry for Pleasure and
Practical Criticism.
2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford Up.
3. Odewumi, J.O. (2004) Literature Companion. Lagos: Anason Press International.
4. Barrows et al (1974) The American Experience: Poetry. New York: Macmillan Publishing co.
INC.
5. Sallah Tijani Ed. (1995) New Poets of West Africa. Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited.
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