FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE

LIT 202: EAST AFRICAN POETRY AND DRAMA

Course Instructor: Wikedzi Edson

Contact: 0752898843/0658898843/0612698843

Email: wikedziedson@yhoo.com

WhatsApp number: 0785898843

Course Description

The course enhances a broad understanding of poetry and drama focusing on the basic theories of drama. It also enables
students use analytical skills to appreciate poems and plays. The texts selected will be from East African writers; however,
the skills gained can be applied in any poem/play.

Learning Objectives/Outcomes

By the end of the course students are expected to be able to:

• Distinguish poetry and drama from other literary genres

• Explain and use some basic theories in studying, analyzing and making critical appreciation of poems and
plays.

• Acquire basic skills and techniques of reading, viewing and interpreting poems and plays.

Course Content

A: Poetry

• General overview definition of poetry, its types and functions.

• Poetic license, voice and context in poetry.

• Elements of poetry and east African poetry

• Poetry and Language.

• Poetry in traditional East Africa.

• Historical events that have informed East African poetry.

• Style and literary techniques in East African poetry.

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 • Experiences of East Africans reflected in poetry.

B: Drama

• General overview on definition of drama, elements, types and functions.

• Characteristics of drama and East African drama.

• Theories on the origin of drama.

• Drama in traditional East Africa

• Historical events that have informed East African drama.

• Style and literary techniques in East African drama.

• Experiences of East Africans reflected in drama.

C: Mode of Assessment

The course will be assessed by two tests (test1-15marks&test2-15marks), one group assignment (3marks), and one
presentation (7marks). Each student will have to present as an individual. The total coursework will be 40% while
final University examination will be 60%.

D: Readings/References

1. Primary Readings
Kinjeketile
This time tomorrow
I will marry when I want
Song of Lawino and Ocol
Summons
2. Secondary Readings
Aristotle. (1995) Poetics. Harvard: St. Halliwell(translator).

Jeyifo, B. (2001) Modern African Drama, A Norton Critical Edition. New York: W.W. Norton &Company.
Bentley, E. (1966) The Life of Drama. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd.

Brooks, C. (Ed) (1964) Understanding Drama: Twelve Plays. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winton.

Brown, I. (1964) What is a Play? London: MacDonald and Co. Publishers.

Cook D and Rubadiri D. (1971) East African Poetry. London: Heinemann Educational.

Furniss, T and Bath M. (2007) Reading Poetry: An Introduction. Harlow: Pearson Longman.

Hunter, P.J. (1991) The Norton Introduction to Poetry. New York: Norton.

Heidegger, M. (1971) Poetry, Language and Thought. Harper and Row.

Monaco, R and Brigg, J. (1974) The Logic of Poetry. San Francisco: McGraw Hill.

Note:

-Other literary texts from East Africa for literary appreciation will be determined by the agreement between the
course instructor and students depending on their availability. Kindly begin searching them for class discussions.
-Orientation guidelines will be presented in each lecture hour for at least five minutes throughout the semester

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