Undergraduate 

English courses can be taken as part of a BA (own choice), or as part of a more specialised package (please note entrance requirements):

BA LANGUAGES

This package is aimed at equipping learners with communication skills as well as in-depth knowledge of the language, literature and culture of at least one language. Through the study of language, students are guided towards critical reflection on and justified participation in (cultural) discourses, and they acquire perspectives on different aspects of humanity and human interaction with the world. They are also equipped to become researchers or practitioners (full-time or freelance) in any of the following professional domains: translation, editing, lexicography, language planning and language development, teaching, corporate communication, document design, advertising, creative writing, media work, community development, tourism and the diplomatic service.

 

INDIVIDUAL COURSES

Year 1

ENG 110: Introduction to Literature in English (1)

In this first semester course, students are introduced to the critical study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose and drama). The texts studied here are mainly from the pre-20th-century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical analytical skills for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.

ENG 120: Introduction to Literature in English (2)

This second semester course introduces the study of post-19th-century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama and prose). The texts studied here are mainly from the twentieth century and may include texts written in both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this course, students should have the background and analytical skills required to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays. 

ENG 118: English for Language Practitioners

This first semester course is intended to equip students with a working knowledge of English grammar and usage, and is particularly useful for those interested in a career in teaching, editing, document design or other forms of language practice.

NB - Students who want to go on to second-year English MUST DO Eng 110 and Eng 120. Eng 118 is a standalone module and DOES NOT give access to second-year studies. 

 

Year 2

ENG 210: Modernism and Language Studies

In this first semester course, students read a representative selection of late 19th-century and 20th-century English novels, plays and poetry. They are also introduced to the key principles of the Modernist movement, elementary narratology and other relevant theoretical and critical concepts. The course may also cover an introduction to basic linguistic and socio-linguistic disciplines, and/or the history and development of the English language, and/or various areas of applied linguistics. Some assistance on academic essay writing skills is also provided as necessary.

ENG 220: 20th Century, Postcolonial and Contemporary Literature

The course focuses on post-19th-century literature in English. Various genres are covered and particular attention is given to postcolonial and South African writing. The introduction to the key principles of the modernist movement, elementary narratology and other relevant theoretical and critical concepts continues.

 

Year 3

ENG 310: Reading Medieval, Renaissance and Eighteenth Century Literature

This course allows students to study the works of representative poets from Chaucer to Pope, as well as Renaissance drama, including Shakespeare and other Renaissance dramatists. An eighteenth-centry novel may be included. Relevant African texts may be included. The general characteristics and techniques of the specific poets are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory and socio-historical change. Several of Shakespeare's plays in the genres of comedy, tragedy, history and romance are studied. By the end of the course, students should have a sense of Shakespeare's whole dramatic oeuvre, be able to discuss selected works in detail as well as write informed analyses of passages from these plays. We may also include texts that 'read back' to these earlier periods and enter into a dialogue with them.

ENG 320:  Reading Romantic and Nineteenth Century Literature

In this course, students read a representative selection of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century poetry, novels and plays in English, as well as more recent texts talking back to these periods. The course focuses on Romantic poetry, but includes nineteenth century poetry written in England and elsewhere. It also traces the rise of the novel in English, exploring some of the various literary theories that could inform the reading of these texts. By the end of this course, students should be able to read, discuss and analyse poetry and novels written during this period with enhanced understanding and sophistication. A play may be included in the scope of the course.

 

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