AFRO-ASIAN LITERATURE

Course Description

The course deals with the study of the leading works of African and Asian writers reflecting the
ethos, ideas and philosophies that aid the understanding of human nature.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the semester, the students should be able to:

Cognitive
- understand and appreciate the literary works of Asian and African authors.
- summarize and outline the plot of the various pieces of African and Asian
literature;
- react to literature in various ways

 Affective
- gain insights on the parallelisms in Asian and African cultures and histories.
- identify and discuss the human situation depicted in the various piece of
literature
- express appreciation for the wisdom imparted by the various piece of
literature

Psychomotor
- apply the knowledge gained from the course in their writing projects
- reflect on the theme of the various pieces of literature.

METHODOLOGY
Lectures
Written exercises
Critiquing sessions

GRADING SYSTEM
Examinations------------------------------------------------------------ 40%
Academic Exercises: Quizzes/Homework/Reports---------------- 40%
Class Participation------------------------------------------------------ 10%
Attendance--------------------------------------------------------------- 10%

Course Outline:

TIME
FRAME CONTENT/SUBJECT MATTER
Week 1 I. Introduction to the Course
A. Getting to know the instructor, the students, and the course
B. Distribution of course syllabus
C. Introduction to Afro-Asian Literature
Week 2-3 II. East Asian literature
A. The culture of China and Japan
B. "The Great Race" (China)
C. “The Incident” by Lu Hsun (China)
D. Excerpts from The Analects of Confucius (China)

Quiz 1
Week 4-5 E. Haikus from Bassho, Buson, and others (Japan)
F. “In a Grove” by Akutagawa Ryunosuke (Japan)

Quiz 2
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
Week 7 III. Southeast Asian Literature
A. The cultures of Southeast Asia
B. “Everybody has His Burden”, traditional folktale (Indonesia)
C. “The Mandarin and the Flower Festival” by P. Khiem
(Vietnam)

Quiz 3
Week 8 IV. Indian Literature
 Ramayana (India)
Quiz 4
Week 9 V. Middle Eastern Literature
A. The culture of the Middle East
B. The Beginning of the World (Egypt)
Week 10 C. The Arabian Nights
Week 11 D. Excerpt from the Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam (Iran)
E. Excerpt from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (Lebanon)

Quiz 5
Week 12-15 VI. African Literature
A. The history, geography, and cultures of Africa
B. Poetry
1. “Africa” by David Diop (Senegal and the Cameroons)
2. “Three Friends” by Yoruba
3. “Love Song” by Flavien Ranaivo (Madagascar)
4. “The Lonely Soul” by Raphael Armattoe (Ghana)
5. “Once Upon A Time” by Gabriel Okara (Nigeria)
6. “Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka (Nigeria)
 Quiz 6
Week 16-17 C. Short Stories
1. “Anticipation” by Mabel Dove-Danquah (Ghana)
2. “The Geography Lesson” by Mongo Beti (Cameroon)
3. “Chief Sekoto Holds Court” from When the Rain Clouds
Gather by Bessie Head (South Africa/Botswana)

Quiz 7
Week 18 FINAL EXAMINATION