Section outline

  • General Information

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    Dear Students,

    Welcome to ENG 102: Introduction to World Literature. In this module, we will explore major literary genres—prose, poetry, drama, biography, and essays—from different parts of the world, while examining themes, style, plot, and characterization in both oral and written traditions.

    This course will strengthen your analytical, critical reading, and research skills, and deepen your appreciation of literature across cultures and periods. I encourage you to participate actively and engage fully with the texts

     

    Module aim: 

    To introduce students to the major genres, movements, and traditions of world literature, and to develop their skills in literary analysis, critical thinking, and appreciation of texts from different cultures and periods.

    Learning outcomes :

    At the end of the module, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

    i. the major genres of world Literature in their different genres such as  prose fiction (the novel and the short story), biography, drama, poetry, essay ;

    ii. the birth (emergence) and the development of world Literature ;

    iii. the new trends regarding the topics, the themes and the conception of Literature

    Module facilitator  contacts: email: n.evode@ines.ac.rw

  • Section one: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

    1. Introduction 

    In this section, we begin by exploring the fundamental question: What is Literature? You will examine different definitions of literature and understand it as an artistic expression of human experience through language.

    We will distinguish between the two major branches of literature—oral literature and written literature—and explore how stories, poems, and dramas reflect culture, history, beliefs, and social realities.

    You will also be introduced to the main genres of literature: prose, poetry, and drama, laying the foundation for deeper study in the following sections.

    Learning outcomes

    1.  gain a deeper comprehension of various literary elements such as plot, character, setting, theme, symbolism, and narrative structure. They learn how these elements function within different genres and forms of literature.
    2. Defining literature involves critical analysis and interpretation. Students learn to analyze texts closely, identifying key themes, motifs, and literary techniques. They develop the ability to articulate their interpretations effectively through writing and discussion.

  • Section two: Prose

    Prose literature refers to written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without the structured rhythm and meter that characterize poetry. It includes genres such as short stories, novels, essays, biographies, and other narrative or descriptive writings. This section introduces learners to selected prose texts that explore human experiences, cultural values, social issues, and imaginative storytelling. Through reading and analyzing prose, learners develop an appreciation for literary techniques, themes, and characters while strengthening their language and critical thinking skills.

    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this section, learners should be able to:

    1. Identify the main elements of prose such as plot, setting, character, theme, and point of view.

    2. Summarize and interpret key ideas from selected prose texts.

    3. Analyze characters and events and explain how they contribute to the overall message of a text.