At the end of this course, the students; 1) know and appreciate types of non-fictional narratives and their characteristics in theory, form and content; 2) critically understand and analyze different non-fictional narratives with reference to their social, cultural, political, ideological and historical context. 3) make critical comments on sample texts selected from a wide range of source material; 4) enhance their general knowledge and appreciation of literature.
MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE
No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT
No
COURSE DEFINITION
This course is a generic and textual study, through sample texts selected from English and American writers, of non-fictional narrative types that are outside the traditional literary genres, such as the novel, drama, poetry, and the short story, and mainly comprise travel writing, biography, autobiography, letter writing, memoirs, and diary writing.
COURSE CONTENTS
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
An introductory study of the subject, topical contents, and necessity of the course. The literary significance and differencxes of types of non-fictional narrative are discussed and explained. The contribution of such a study to the study of literature is emphasized.
2nd Week
Biography and autobiography are studied in terms of theory, genre, and content. Focus is put on the historical and literary development and siginificance of these two forms of non-ficitional narrative.
3rd Week
Study and critical analysis of sample texts selected from various sources.
4th Week
Study and critical analysis of sample texts selected from various sources continued.
5th Week
After the study of biography and autobiography, the next subject is memoir and diary writings, studied in terms of theory, genre, and narrative differences. Study and critical analysis of sample texts selected from various sources.
6th Week
Midterm I
7th Week
Study and critical analysis of sample texts continued.
8th Week
Study of letter writing as a non-narrative form. Primary focus is put on the literary features, theoretical basis, and stylistic variations of letter writing. Study and critical analysis of various sample texts of letter writing.
9th Week
Study and critical analysis of various sample texts of letter writing continued.
10th Week
Midterm II
11th Week
Study of the theory of travel in a social and cultural context. Discussion and illustration of the literary and cultural aspects of travel writing. Major characteristics of travel writing are analyzed. Study and critical analysis of sample texts, selected from different sources, in terms of theory, content, genre, narrative techniques, and cultural significance.
12th Week
Various samples of travel writing are studied and interpreted with a critical perspective.
13th Week
Study of sample texts continued, and emphasis is put on the use of travel writings as sources for literary and historical research.
14th Week
Revision. Closing questions and answers.
RECOMENDED OR REQUIRED READING
Sample texts from various travel, biography, autobiography, letter, journal and memoir writings; Nadel, Ira Bruce. Biography: Fiction, Fact & Form. New York: St Martin?s Press, 1984. Backscheider, P. R. Reflections on Biography. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Rojek, Chris. Touring Cultures: Transformations of Travel and Theory. London: Routledge, 1997. Johnson, Erica L. Cultural Memory, Memorials, and Reparative Writing. Palgrave Studies in Affect Theory and Literary Criticism.
PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Lecture,Questions/Answers,Discussion,Presentation
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA
Quantity
Percentage(%)
Mid-term
2
50
Oral Exam
1
15
Attendance
1
10
Total(%)
75
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)
75
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)
25
Total(%)
100
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
English
WORK PLACEMENT(S)
No
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES (KLO) / MATRIX OF LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO)
