THE UNIVERSITY OF MIRPURKHAS
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND
LITERATURE
Course Title: Introduction to Literature
Teacher name: Muskan Arisar
What is Literature? - Definition and Scope of Literature
1-2
- Functions and Significance of Literature in Society
- Literature as an Art Form: Aesthetic and Cultural
Aspects
- Literature vs. Other Disciplines (Philosophy, History,
etc.)
- Historical Evolution of the Concept of Literature
- The Reader’s Role in Literature
Nature and Origin of
2-4 - Oral Traditions and Early Literary Forms
Literature
- Mythology and its Influence on Early Literature
- Development of Written Literature: Ancient
Civilizations
- Literature and Language: Interdependence
- The Role of Religion in Shaping Early Literature
- Transition from Oral to Written Traditions
- Influence of Printing Press on Literature (Gutenberg’s
Revolution)
- Literature as a Reflection of Human Experiences
- Modern Literature and its Challenges
5-7 Kinds of Literature - Overview: Genres of Literature
- Prose: Fiction and Non-Fiction
- Poetry: Forms and Features
- Drama: Elements and Types
- Novel and Short Story
- Essays, Biographies, and Autobiographies
- Hybrid Genres: Prose Poetry, Epistolary Novels
- Popular vs. Literary Genres
- Comparative Study of Literary and Non-Literary
Texts
8, 10-11 Introduction to Poetry - What is Poetry? Defining Characteristics
- History and Evolution of Poetry
- Elements of Poetry: Meter, Rhyme, Rhythm
- Forms of Poetry: Lyric, Epic, Sonnet, Ode
- Themes and Styles in Poetry
- Analyzing Poetic Devices: Imagery, Symbolism,
Metaphor
- Modern and Postmodern Poetry
- Comparative Analysis: Traditional vs. Contemporary
Poetry
- Practical Exercises: Reading and Interpreting Poems
Coverage: Weeks 1-8 (What is Literature? Nature,
9 Mid-Term Exam
Origin, and Kinds of Literature)
Introduction to Narrative
12-13 - Defining Narrative Literature: Forms and Functions
Literature
- Elements of Narrative: Plot, Character, Setting,
Theme
- Structure of Narrative: Beginning, Middle, End
- Types of Narratives: Linear and Non-Linear
- Narrative Techniques: Point of View, Flashbacks,
Foreshadowing
14-15 Introduction to Drama - What is Drama? Definition and Characteristics
- Elements of Drama: Plot, Dialogue, Characters,
Conflict
- Types of Drama: Tragedy, Comedy, Tragicomedy
- History of Drama: Greek, Elizabethan, and Modern
- Analyzing Dramatic Techniques: Stage Directions,
Soliloquies, Asides
- The Role of Drama in Society
- Comparative Study: Classical vs. Contemporary
Drama
Coverage: Weeks 10-15 (Poetry, Narrative Literature,
16 Final Exam
Drama)