PCC/ CCOG / HUM

Course Content and Outcome Guide for HUM 205

Date:
02-OCT-2008
Posted by:
Curriculum Office
Course Number:
HUM 205
Course Title:
African Literature
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture hours:
40
Lecture/Lab hours:
0
Lab hours:
0
Special Fee:
 

Course Description

Introduces written and oral literature of the African continent, from ancient to modern and from many different geographic regions, cultures and religions. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Students will be able to:
  • Think critically about a text in order to evaluate its effectiveness in terms of conveying theme.
  • Identify how culture affects an author’s perspective, choice of genre, style, and overall purpose in writing.
  • Use collaborative techniques to explore texts and test interpretations.
  • Construct an original interpretation of a literary text and communicate it effectively both orally and in writing.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

The SAC expects the instructors will assess student learning throughout the term using a variety of methods. The SAC encourages instructors to consider the following in determining the achievement of course outcomes:
  • Analyze primary literary texts and secondary sources of contextual information both in written work and in oral presentations.
  • Present ideas, analyses, and interpretations both in small group activities and in large class discussions.
  • Investigate the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which a particular text was created and read/heard, as well as any specific references or allusions in the text itself.
  • Assess how literature has responded to historical events.
  • Demonstrate mastery of the technical vocabulary for literary analysis.
  • Make connections and comparisons between texts and our own lives.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes
  • Literature as a vehicle for protest and revolution
  • Gender roles
  • Agency and voice
  • Identity construction (personal, political, national)
  • Literature as laboratory (experimental fictive space)
  • Literature as history
Concepts  
(Specifically how these things contribute to the success of a literary work)
  • Genre
  • Structure and form
  • Figurative language, imagery, and symbolism
  • Point-of-view and voice
Issues
  • Ethnicity, gender and socio-economic class
  • Contribution of oral/folkloric traditions
  • Role of European education
  • Accessibility
  • Language and translation
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
  • Thinking critically and creatively
  • Identifying literary devices in a primary text
  • Researching cultural and historical information
  • Constructing and evaluating interpretations of literary texts
  • Communicating ideas both orally and in writing
  • Producing and receiving constructive criticism effectively
  • Drawing connections between literary texts and our own lives
  • Working collaboratively with others
  • Contributing actively to group discussions