Navigating the Literature in English JAMB Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Literature in English aims to equip candidates with the skills to appreciate, analyze, and understand literary works. This guide provides a structured overview of the syllabus, drawing upon the provided information to offer a comprehensive preparation resource. This article aims to prepare candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to: stimulate and sustain their interest in Literature in English; create an awareness of the general principles of Literature and functions of language; appreciate literary works of all genres and across all cultures; apply the knowledge of Literature in English to the analysis of social, political and economic events in the society.
Core Areas of the Syllabus
The JAMB syllabus for Literature in English covers several key areas, including drama, prose, poetry, general literary principles, and literary appreciation. Candidates should be familiar with the types, techniques, and analytical approaches relevant to each genre.
1. Drama
This section delves into the world of plays, exploring their diverse forms and the techniques playwrights employ.
Topics:
- Types: Tragedy, Comedy, Tragicomedy, Melodrama, Farce, Opera, etc.
- Dramatic Techniques: Characterization, Dialogue, Flashback, Mime, Costume, Music/Dance, Décor/scenery, Acts/Scenes, Soliloquy/aside, Figures of Speech, etc.
- Interpretation of Prescribed Texts: Theme, Plot, Socio-political context, Setting.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify the various types of drama.
- Analyse the contents of the various types of drama.
- Compare and contrast the features of different dramatic types.
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques used in each prescribed text.
- Differentiate between styles of selected playwrights.
- Determine the theme of any prescribed text.
- Identify the plot of the play.
- Apply the lessons of the play to everyday living.
- Identify the spatial and temporal setting of the play.
2. Prose
This section focuses on fictional and non-fictional narratives, examining their types, narrative techniques, and analytical elements.
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Topics:
- Types:
- Fiction: Novel, Novella/Novelette, Short story
- Non-fiction: Biography, Autobiography, Memoir
- Faction: A combination of fact and fiction
- Narrative Techniques/Devices:
- Point of view: Omniscient/Third Person, First Person
- Characterisation: Round, flat, foil, hero, antihero, etc.
- Language
- Textual Analysis: Theme, Plot, Setting (Temporal/Spatial), Socio-political context
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate between types of prose.
- Identify the category that each prescribed text belongs to.
- Analyse the components of each type of prose.
- Identify the narrative techniques used in each of the prescribed texts.
- Determine an author's narrative style.
- Distinguish between one type of character from another.
- Determine the thematic pre-occupation of the author of the prescribed text.
- Indicate the plot of the novel.
- Identify the temporal and spatial setting of the novel.
- Relate the prescribed text to real-life situations.
3. Poetry
This section explores the diverse forms of poetry and the devices poets use to convey meaning and create aesthetic effects.
Topics:
- Types: Sonnet, Ode, Lyrics, Elegy, Ballad, Panegyric, Epic, Blank Verse, etc.
- Poetic devices: Structure, Imagery, Sound (Rhyme/Rhythm, repetition, pun, onomatopoeia, etc.), Diction, Persona
- Appreciation: Thematic preoccupation, Socio-political relevance, Style.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify different types of poetry.
- Compare and contrast the features of different poetic types.
- Determine the devices used by various poets.
- Show how poetic devices are used for aesthetic effect in each poem.
- Deduce the poet's preoccupation from the poem.
- Appraise poetry as an art with moral values.
- Apply the lessons from the poem to real-life situations.
4. General Literary Principles
This section covers fundamental literary terms and principles that apply across different genres.
Topics:
- Literary terms: foreshadowing, suspense, theatre, monologue, dialogue, soliloquy, symbolism, protagonist, antagonist, figures of speech, satire, stream of consciousness, etc., in addition to those listed above under the different genres.
- Literary principles: Direct imitation in play; Versification in drama and poetry; Narration of people's experiences; Achievement of aesthetic value, etc.
- **Relationship between literary terms and principles.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
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- Identify literary terms in drama, prose, and poetry.
- Identify the general principles of Literature.
- Differentiate between literary terms and principles.
- Use literary terms appropriately.
5. Literary Appreciation
This section focuses on the application of literary knowledge to unseen passages. The content of this topic will be gotten from Unseen passages/extracts from Drama, Prose and Poetry. This implies you must have read the recommended books for the poetry, drama and prose.
Topics:
Unseen passages/extracts from Drama, Prose, and Poetry.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Determine literary devices used in a given passage/extract.
- Provide a meaningful interpretation of the given passage/extract.
- Relate the extract to true life experiences.
Recommended Texts
Candidates are advised to consult the following texts for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus:
1. Anthologies
- Gbemisola, A. (2005) Naked Soles, Ibadan: Kraft
- Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) The Penguin Book of English Verse, London Penguin
- Johnson, R. et al (eds.) (1996) New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc
- Kermode, F. et al (1964) Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
- Nwoga D. (ed.) (1967) West African Verse, London: Longman
- Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) (1993) A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos: Longman
- Soyinka, W. (ed.) (1987) Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann
2. Critical Texts
- Abrams, M. H. (1981) A Glossary of Literary Terms, (4th Edition) New York, Holt Rinehart and Winston
- Emeaba, O. E. (1982) A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press
- Murphy, M. J. Understanding Unseen, An Introduction to English Poetry and English Novel for Overseas Students
Specific Examples and Applications
To further illustrate the syllabus's content, consider the following examples within each genre:
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Drama: Wole Soyinka's "Lion and the Jewel" and John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger"
When studying Wole Soyinka's "Lion and the Jewel," candidates should analyze how Soyinka uses dramatic techniques like dialogue and characterization to explore themes of tradition versus modernity in a rural Nigerian setting. For example, the contrast between Baroka, the cunning traditional chief, and Lakunle, the Western-educated schoolteacher, highlights the play's central conflict. Similarly, in John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger," students should examine Osborne's use of dialogue and setting to depict the disillusionment and anger of post-war British youth. The play's intense exchanges and claustrophobic setting contribute to its exploration of social and personal frustration.
Prose: Buchi Emecheta's "Second Class Citizen" and Emile Bronte's "Wuthering Heights"
In Buchi Emecheta's "Second Class Citizen," candidates should focus on Emecheta's narrative style and character development to understand the protagonist's struggle against gender and racial discrimination in London. The novel's themes of identity, migration, and social injustice are crucial. For Emile Bronte's "Wuthering Heights," students should analyze the complex narrative structure, the use of multiple narrators, and the exploration of themes such as love, revenge, and social class. Understanding the characters' motivations and the novel's gothic elements is essential.
Poetry: Leopold Sedar Senghor's "Black Woman" and John Donne's "The Good Morrow"
When studying Leopold Sedar Senghor's "Black Woman," candidates should analyze Senghor's use of imagery and symbolism to celebrate African beauty and identity. The poem's themes of pride and cultural affirmation are central to understanding Senghor's Negritude philosophy. In John Donne's "The Good Morrow," students should examine Donne's use of metaphysical conceits and imagery to explore themes of love and spiritual awakening. The poem's intricate metaphors and intellectual tone are characteristic of Donne's style.
Additional Poetic Examples
- Niyi Osundare: "The Leader and the Led": Analyze the poem's use of satire to critique leadership and governance.
- Agostinho Neto: "The Grieved Lands": Explore themes of colonialism and its impact on African lands.
- Oumar Farouk Sesay: "The Song of the Women of the Lands": Examine the portrayal of women's roles and experiences in society.
- Lade Wosornu: "Raider of the Treasure Trove": Interpret the poem's imagery and symbolism related to cultural heritage.
- Onu Chibuike: "A Government Driver on his Retirement": Analyze the poem's themes of labor, retirement, and social commentary.
- Maya Angelou: "Caged Bird": Study the use of symbolism to represent freedom and oppression.
- T.S. Eliot: "The Journey of the Magi": Analyze the poem's themes of spiritual transformation and doubt.
- D.H. Lawrence: "Bats": Explore the poem's imagery and themes related to nature and perception.
Key Literary Terms and Principles
Candidates should familiarize themselves with literary terms such as foreshadowing, suspense, symbolism, protagonist, antagonist, figures of speech, satire, and stream of consciousness. Understanding these terms is essential for analyzing and interpreting literary works effectively. Moreover, understanding literary principles such as direct imitation in play, versification in drama and poetry, narration of people's experiences, and achievement of aesthetic value is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of literature.
Approaching Unseen Passages
The literary appreciation section requires candidates to analyze unseen passages from drama, prose, and poetry. To succeed in this section, students should practice identifying literary devices, interpreting the meaning of the passage, and relating the extract to real-life experiences. Understanding the context, tone, and purpose of the passage is crucial for providing a meaningful interpretation.
Strategies for Success
- Read Widely: Familiarize yourself with a variety of literary works across different genres and cultures.
- Understand Literary Terms: Develop a strong understanding of literary terms and principles.
- Practice Analysis: Practice analyzing literary works, focusing on themes, characters, plot, setting, and style.
- Apply Knowledge: Apply your knowledge of literature to real-life situations and social issues.
- Consult Recommended Texts: Utilize the recommended texts for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
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