COURSE COMPACT
COLLEGE OF LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
SCHOOL OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AND GENERAL STUDIES
COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA
PROGRAMME: ENGLISH
COURSE CODE: ENG 115
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO PROSE
UNITS: 2
LECTURER: DR E. C. ONWUKA
SEMESTER: ALPHA
SESSION: 2014/2015
TIME: THURSDAY (10-12PM)
LOCATION: RM A401
OFFICE NUMBER/EXTENSION: A402B/2115
Brief Overview of Course
This course examines prose as a genre of literature. Emphasis will be on types and techniques
of prose writing, especially fiction. A close study of types of novels and their features will be
carried out.
Course Objectives/Goals
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. Define prose and identify its basic types.
2. Study the various forms of fiction namely the short story, novella, the novel and its types,
its features and autobiography.
3. Analyze critically, the selected prose fiction on the basis of subject matter, theme, characterization and language.
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 works.
Course Outline
Module A: Introduction: Definition and types of prose
WK 1:
a) Definition of Literature and its genres
b) Sub-genres of Prose – autobiography, memoir, novel, novella, short story, letters, essays,
and treatise are all written in prose.
WK 2-3
Types of Prose
a) Descriptive prose
b) Narrative prose
c) Argumentative prose
1
d) Meditative prose
e) Ornamental prose
f) Philosophical prose etc.
WK 4-5: Types of Novel
a) Romance novels
b) Detective novels
c) Adventure novels
d) Horror novels
e) Mystery novels
f) Bildungsroman novels
g) War novels
h) Picaresque novels
i) Science Fiction and Animal novels
j) Realistic novels and Regional novels etc.
k) Other types
Module B: Analytical Guide to Studying Fiction
WK 6-7:
a) Elements of prose fiction: setting, subject matter, theme, character, characterization,
atmosphere, language/diction, point of view, narrative technique/mode of narration
etc.
b) Textual Analysis of prose from the aspect of:
i) setting
ii) plot and Structure
iii) character and characterization
iv) Point of view
v) theme
vi) style and tone
vii) symbolism and Irony
viii) Integration and Evaluation
Module C: Analysis of Selected Prose Fiction:
Wk8-9: Short Stories
i) “The End of the Duel” by Jorge Luis Borges
ii) “The Man who was almost a Man” by Richard Wright
iii) “Choosing” by Ama Ata Aidoo
iv) “A Power Struggle” by Bessie Head
Novella and Novels
WK 10: Study of The Palmwine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola
WK 11: Further study of The Palmwine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola
WK 12: Study of Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe
WK 13: Further study of Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe
WK 14: Study of Animal Farm by George Orwell
WK 15: Study of Imagine This by Sade Adeniran
Revision
2
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. They would also make special contributions through
presentations on any topic within the scope of the course.
Topics for Term Paper/Assignments/Students Activities
Each student will select a short story or novella or novel from the recommended text and
analyze it as his/her term paper.
Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goals
In relation to the university core value of mental productivity, this course will enable students
to acquire the necessary skills for appreciating prose fiction and writing a short story or
novella or novel.
Contemporary Issues/Industrial Relevance
This course affords students the opportunity to appreciate prose fiction and develop the skills
of writing fictions for academic exercise and the entertainment industry.
Recommended Reading
Primary Texts:
i) “The End of the Duel” by Jorge Luis Borges
ii) “The Man who was almost a Man” by Richard Wright
iii) “Choosing” by Ama Ata Aidoo
iv) “A Power Struggle” by Bessie Head
Novella and Novels
The Palmwine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola
Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Imagine This by Sade Adeniran
Secondary Texts:
A Companion to the Novel by Akachi Ezeigbo
3