Eng426 20th century english literature

National Open University of Nigeria

Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, University Village, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway,

Jabi, Abuja.

ENG 426: TWENTIETH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE

Course Team:


Course Developer/Writer: Dr. Folasade Hunsu
Department of English
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. [e-mail]


Course Editor: Professor Abdul R. Yesufu
National Open University of Nigeria Lagos.


Course Co-ordinator: Dr. Felix E. Gbenoba Department of Languages
National Open University of Nigeria Abuja.

ENG 426: TWENTIETH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE

Introduction
This 3 credits unit course opens up ways in which the realities of the twentieth century shaped the literary works of the time. It shows how writers represented the events of the century and how the desire for change informed the innovative and experimental techniques of their literature. In order to help students understand the literature of the time, the socio- political, historical realities, the relationship between the literature of the previous century or era and the twentieth century literature especially, writers’ choice of style and themes will be discussed. The course is divided into five modules of four units each. Modules 1-4 focus on modernist writings: modernist prose, drama and poetry while Module 5 briefly introduces postmodernism which came about towards the end of twentieth century.

Using the Course Guide

Students are to read the course guide so as to be familiar with what the course entails and requires. The course guide comprises the course description, course aims and objectives, expectations and requirements, among others. Most especially, the course guide contains the course modules and units. At the end of each unit there is at least one self- assessment question which helps the student to assess their grasp of the course content of each unit. Students are advised to note down the areas that appear knotty or unclear and seek for clarification in class or tutorials.
The notes in this study guide do not make enough readings for a student as it is not exhaustive of what the Twentieth Century English Literature is about. Students are advised to read literary texts, recommended textbooks and relevant critical materials. At the end of each module, there is a list of textbooks that could aid students’ understanding of the course.