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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus is a vital roadmap for students preparing for their examinations. In the realm of literature, this guide unveils the intricacies of three major genres: Drama, Prose, and Poetry. Let’s delve into the objectives, content, and recommended textbooks for each genre, as outlined in the JAMB syllabus.
Drama:
Objectives:
- Identify various types of drama.
- Analyze the contents of different dramatic types.
- Compare and contrast features of different dramatic types.
- Demonstrate knowledge of dramatic techniques in prescribed texts.
- Differentiate between styles of selected playwrights.
- Determine themes, plots, and socio-political contexts in prescribed texts.
Content:
- Types: Tragedy, Comedy, Tragicomedy, Melodrama, Farce, Opera, etc.
- Dramatic Techniques: Characterization, Dialogue, Flashback, Mime, Costume, Music/Dance, Acts/Scenes, Soliloquy, Lighting, etc.
- Interpretation of Prescribed Texts: Theme, Plot, Socio-political context, Setting.
General Literary Principles:
Objectives:
- Identify literary terms in drama, prose, and poetry.
- Differentiate between literary terms and principles.
- Use literary terms appropriately.
Content:
- Literary Terms: Foreshadowing, Suspense, Monologue, Dialogue, Symbolism, Figures of Speech, Satire, etc.
- Literary Principles: Direct imitation in play, Verification in drama and poetry, Narration of people’s experiences, Relationship between literary terms and principles.
Literary Appreciation:
Objectives:
- Determine literary devices in given passages.
- Provide meaningful interpretations.
- Relate extracts to real-life experiences.
Content:
- Unseen passages/extracts from Drama, Prose, and Poetry.
Poetry:
Objectives:
- Identify different types of poetry.
- Compare and contrast features of poetic types.
- Determine devices used by poets.
- Appraise poetry as an art with moral values.
Content:
- Types: Sonnet, Ode, Lyrics, Elegy, Ballad, Panegyric, Epic, Blank Verse, etc.
- Poetic Devices: Structure, Imagery, Sound (Rhyme/Rhythm, Repetition, Pun, Onomatopoeia), Diction, Persona, Thematic preoccupation, Socio-political relevance, Style.
Prose:
Objectives:
- Differentiate between types of prose.
- Identify narrative techniques in prescribed texts.
- Determine an author’s narrative style.
- Relate prescribed texts to real-life situations.
Content:
- Types: Fiction, Novel, Novella/Novelette, Short Story, Non-fiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Faction.
- Narrative Techniques/Devices: Point of View (Omniscient/Third Person, First Person), Characterization, Language.
Recommended Textbooks:
- Obafemi. O. and Agoi (eds) Of Shadows and Rainbows – Musings in Times of Covid (An Anthology of Poems, Plays, and Short Stories) PEN Nigeria, Online
- 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
- Nduke Ofiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo (eds) Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria, an Anthology of New Nigerian Writers, Mace Books Association, 2021, New edition.
- Parker, E.W. (ed.) (1980) A Pageant of Longer Poems 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
- Critical Text: Abrams, M. H. (1981) A Glossary of Literary Terms, (4th Edition) New York, Holt Rinehalt and Winston
- Emeaba, O. E. (1982) A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press
- Murphy, M. J. (1972) Understanding Unseen, An Introduction to English Poetry and English
In conclusion
this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for JAMB literature candidates, providing insights into the diverse world of drama, prose, and poetry. Use it to enhance your understanding and excel in your examinations.
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