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.
