PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme seeks to promote high conceptual and inquisitive skills in literary studies as well as develop student’s competence within specialist literary studies areas. The degree also seeks to generate interest in research in literature, widening the students’ knowledge base, competencies, skills and capabilities in the field of literature. To prepare students to adapt to any environment by promoting high conceptual and inquisitive, entrepreneurial skills in the field of literature.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the programme, an applicant must have a good first degree in any of the following:

(1)   English and Communication

(2)   African Languages and Culture or an approved equivalent from any recognised university.

PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study:               African Literature, Diasporan Literature, Identity Politics, Gender Politics, Postcoloniality.

Specialist Focus: Research in African Literature, Diasporan Literature and Cultural Studies

Orientation:     Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are practically oriented

Distinctive Features:      The programme employs a student-centred approach and offers them an opportunity to participate in national development archaeology programmes, and also imparts knowledge on sustainable development issues

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Master of Arts in African and Diasporan Literature degree programme is designed to enhance the competencies of graduates in the fields of African Literature, Diasporan Literature, Cultural Studies and University Lectureship.

Further Studies:  Doctoral studies in Literature or in inter/multidisciplinary programmes related to the discipline of Literature

 

DEGREE STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Code            Module Description                                                                         Credits

MAADL701 Postcolonial Cultures of Encounter and Settlement in Africa               20

MAADL702 Themes and Perspectives in American Literature                                20

MAADL704 Critical Theory from Enlightenment to Modernity                              20

Level 1 Semester 2

MAADL703 Language, Ideology and Gender in Literature                                     20

MAADL709 Autobiography and Identity                                                               20

MAADL708 Mediating Southern African Identities                                                20

Level 2 Semester 1

MAADL870 Dissertation                                                                                  90

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

MAADL701 Postcolonial Cultures of Encounter and Settlement in Africa

This module examines a range of literary texts from Africa and its thrust will be to interrogate the often traumatic processes of postcolonial encounter and settlement. Theories such as Postcoloniality, Pan Africanism and Negritudism inform the module. Encounter represents those moments of engagement between Africa and the West, both in the physical and cultural or discursive senses.

MAADL702 Themes and Perspectives in American Literature

The module examines African-American literary texts and focuses on the history and culture of the African-American people. Critical attention will be given to specific themes such as the history of slavery and the slave trade, race relations, questions of identity and belonging, alienation and participation. Themes and perspectives will be examined in the context of ideas and critics at different historical phases in the history of African-American literature.

MAADL703 Language, Ideology and Gender in Literature

The module focuses on the interface between language, ideology and gender in literature. It looks at how language and ideology are critical areas of contestation in gender discourses. Perspectives on issues of gender are examined using texts that present different cultural, historical and ideological issues on gender.

MAADL704 Critical Theory from Enlightenment to Modernity

The module aims to study and critically interrogate critical theory and modes of perception that constructed Africa as the “other” in relation to the West.

MAADL708 Mediating Southern African Identities

The module investigates how southern African identities have been shaped historically and in the present by claims of location, tradition, nationhood, literary imagination and culture. While identity issues have been theorised, the question of how identities are mediated remains implicit.

MAADL709 Autobiography and Identity

The module traces shifts in self-conception and self-representation. It looks at a diverse range of texts from around the world and will consider key questions raised in the theories of autobiography and literary theories in general. The module also considers the historical and cultural capital that has been invested in the creation of self and others by auto biographers.

MAADL870 Dissertation

The dissertation is expected to be between 15 000 to 20 000 words or 100 pages of font 12 with double line spacing and it should be in the area of African and Diasporan Literature.