KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF LITERATURE AND FILM STUDIES
YEAR I, SEMESTER II (2023/2024)

COURSE OUTLINE
Course Title: Ugandan Literature
Course Code: ALT 1202
Credit Units: 3 CU
Course Instructor: Elizabeth Asiimwe
Email: easiimwe@kyu.ac.ug
Office Hours: By Appointment
Contact (Mob): 0701336305
Course Description
The course surveys the history of Ugandan Literature, its origins,
development and current status. It discusses its characteristics and
challenges; studies selected writers from different periods; the post-
Independence and contemporary times. This course will also seek to identify
major stylistic and thematic trends in Ugandan prose-fiction, drama and
poetry. The selected texts will be subjected to thorough critical analysis.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
I. Explain the history of Ugandan Literature.
II. Discuss the development of Ugandan Literature.
III. Examine the characteristics of Ugandan Literature.
IV. Identify the challenges of Ugandan Literature.
Course Content
1. Background to Ugandan Literature
2. Characteristics/ Features of Ugandan Literature
3. Evolution of Ugandan Literature
4. Prose Fiction
I. Upon this Mountain by Timothy Wangusa
II. The First Daughter by Goretti Kyomuhendo
III. The Invisible Weevil by Mary Karooro Okurut
IV. “Aida” by Austin Ejiet
5. Drama
I. The Bride by Austin Bukenya
II. The Burdens by John Ruganda
III. The Floods by John Ruganda

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 6. Poetry/Verse
I. Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol by Okot p’Bitek
II. Selected Poems

Mode of Delivery
I. Lectures
II. Seminar Presentations
III. Discussions
Assessment
I. Coursework (30%)
II. Examination (70%)

References
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Kruger, Marie. Women’s Literature in Kenya and Uganda: The Trouble with M
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