Course
Descriptions
003
English - Remedial English
This
is a course for students whose performance in the English section of the University
placement examination does not entitle them to enter regular University courses
immediately. It aims to give them a basic competence in reading and writing sufficient
to enable them to complete the University's requirements in other courses. In
reading, the emphasis is on the understanding of informative rather than literary
texts and in writing, the emphasis is on the accurate construction of elementary
sentences in isolation and in short compositions.
Credit: No credit
101
English - Freshman English I
Required
of students in all first degree programs of the University and pre-requisite to
all credit-bearing English courses. This is a basic communication course emphasizing
listening^ basic writing, and speaking abilities. It includes the reading and
discussion of short prose selections intended to develop both the reading and
writing skills needed for the organization and development of effective paragraphs.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
102
English - Freshman English II
Required
of students in all first degree programs and pre-requisite to all credit-bearing
English courses. A continuation (not a repetition) of English 101, this course
helps to reinforce the skills acquired in English 101. It provides instruction
in the writing of original composition: description/narration and in reading composition,
enabling students to meet
the requirements of college education.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
103 Preparatory Theater Arts (Elective)
This
course Is designed to provide experiences in the whole area of theatrical production
- acting, directing, designing, collecting props, or writing plays. The student
will also develop an ability to think and feel with others, to be able to interpret
to audiences the meaning of life contained In a work of dramatic art. I twill
serve as a backbone for the University Players and also provide a forum for the
Liberian culture. Only a minimum of 3 or a maximum of 4 credit hours may be earned
for this course.
Credit:
1 credit/semester
105-106
English - Freshman English (Honors)
This
first year of Honors English is designed for those entering freshman who are well-prepared
for college English work. This should expose them to an intensification of the
fundamental objectives of first year college English which covers training in
clear thinking, Intelligent and creative reading, and correct, clear and effective
writing. The course is open to all entering freshmen who make an approximate average
of B or above in the UL Admission and Placement English Examination.
Credit:
4 credits/semester
201
English - Sophomore English
Required
for all students in all first degree programs and is prerequisite to all credit-bearing
English courses except English 101 and 102. His designed to provide additional
skills in reading comprehension and in efficient and effective communication.
Summary and paraphrase writing are fostered and students are ultimately exposed
to the methods and techniques of writing short term papers.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
202
English - Sophomore English II
Pre-requisite: English 201
Required
for all students In all first degree programs. It places emphasis on the development
of the basic communicative skills in reading comprehension and writing. It is
also a study of style as manifested through some selected expository, argumentative
and poetic works. Students are ultimately exposed to the methods and techniques
of writing research papers.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
203 English - Survey of English Literature
This
course will present a rapid review of English Literature from its origin to the
present. The method of presentation will be that of the masterpiece: the selection
of major works from each of the epochs of English Literature which reflect the
pre-occupations of their time. Special attention will be given to the development
of the character of English civilization as it emerges from the nations. Required
for English majors and minors; elective for all others.
Credit:
3 crediIs/semester
204
English - English Literature:
19th Century to the present
This
course is a continuation of the study of English Literature begun in English 203.
Itwill present/material'from the following literary periods: the Romantic Age,
the Edwardians, the Celtic Revival, and Modern English Literature through Conrad,
Lawrence, Huxley. As in English 203, special attention will be given to political,
economic, and social developments within English society which determine the changing
literary consent and sensibility. Only the works of major writers of each period
will be considered. In addition to works presented for classroom analysis, students
will read selected works from a reading list. Required for English majors and
minors; elective for all others.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
206
English - Introduction to Literature (Majors and Minors
only)
This
course is intended to improve literary sensitivity by giving the students critical
standards for the intelligent reading of the several forms of literature. It is
designed as an introductory course for students who elect to obtain their minor
and major in English. It is therefore an advanced course in the.training of the
techniques of the effective use of English for communication. The course embraces
a study/of the nature and function of imaginative literature, of the norms for
analysis and critical assessment of more complex writing in, modern English prose,
the short story, the novel/narrative, lyric, dramatic poetry and drama. Success
depends on the student's ability to do extensive reading and to have a firm grasp
of the nuances of language including the ironic and oblique uses of language.
In addition, the student will reinforce his skill in the writing of critical or
research papers.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
209-210
English - Sophomore English (Honors)
This
sophomore Honors English is devoted exclusively to an introduction to the main
literary forms with specific emphasis on the Short Story, the Novel, Poetry, and
Drama. In an effort to understand the nature, function and positive values of
literature, a critical approach will be stressed. The course is opened to all
sophomore students who maintain an average of B or better.
Credit:
4 credits/s em ester
301-302
English -World Literature
Pre-requisite:
(203-204 for majors and minors)
& 201-202 for others as elective.
This
course is designed to acquaint the students with the great masters in literature,
especially those of Europe and Asia from the earliest times to our present day.
The selections will be read in English, Philosophy and Religion. Writers and their
works will be studied with a view to knowing their ideology, philosophy, style
and message to mankind. This is a survey course which takes the students to the
Hellenic and Habraic World, the Oriental World, the Medieval World and the Renaissance
and Modern World. It deals with Greek and Roman culture, tradition, history and
the Christian and Moslem Worlds as literature.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
303-304
English - Survey of American Literature
The
first semester (English 303) of this course deals with American Literature from
its origin in the Puritan culture of New England to the eve of the Civil War.
The sequence of topics is as follows: the Puritan Mind, 18th century Rationalism
and the American Revolution, American Romanticism, the Genteel Tradition. The
Second Semester (English 304) begins with the emergence of modern American Literature
following the Civil War and concludes with the Contemporary scene. The sequence
of topics is as follows: The Authentic American Voice, Western Realism of the
19th Century and Recent Trends in Fiction and Poetry.
Credit:
3 credit/semester Total: 6 credits
305 English - Survey of African Literature
This
course is a critical study of the contributions made by African writers and writers
of African descent. It is designed to develop a sensitive and comprehensive response
to African Literature and to train alert and critical readers. Emphasis is placed
on the tale, folklore, short stories, the poetry, the novel and drama as they
contributed to the development of society. Special effort is made to introduce
works of Libe-rian authors. It is hoped that the students will be ercouraged to
try their own hands at creative writing. A large selection of African novels will
be required for background reading. Selections by authors of Black Africa or Africa
South of the Sahara will be read.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
307
English - Modern Drama
This
course presents a detailed structural analysis of major plays from Ibsen to Beckett.
The course will also display the dramas selected for analysis against their historical
and intellectual backgrounds. The selection of plays varies from year to year
but will include representative works from the following dramatists: Ibsen, Chekhov,
Stelnberg, Shaw, O'Neil, O'Casey, Synge, Brecht. It will present material from
the following literary periods: the Romantic Age, the Edwardians, the Celtic Revi-.
val, and Modern English Literature through Conrad, Lawrence, Huxley. As in English
203, special attention will be given to political, economic, and social developments
within English society which determine the changing literary content and sensibility.
Only the works of major writers of each period will be considered: Pirandello,
Lotca, Anauilh, Cirau-doux, Beckett. The student will also read independently
selections from an approved reading list.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
323
English - Introductory Linguistics
Pre-requlsite: Sophomore English
This
is an introductory course in general linguistics with special emphasis on phonetics
and techniques of language analysis. Although Illustrative examples will be drawn
from English, the main thrust of the course will be on the West African Region
with comparable examples selected from Kpelle, Vai, Bassa, Ewe, Twi, Yoruba, Itoo.
Briefly, intro-ductory linguistics will deal with sound and word structure (Phonetics
and Morphology), and the fundamentals of structural linguistics.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
325
English -Appreciation of Literature
Pre-requisite:
English 203 or Permission of Department Chairman
The
primary purpose of this course is to develop in students analytical skills required
for an objective and aesthetic appraisal of literary works in prose and poetry.
As a discipline, this course in the evaluation of literature will develop critical
principles that should make a significant contribution to a student's intellectual
and professional growth.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
401
English-Speech
Speech
is a comprehensive course in oral communication that follows the lecture-laboratory
format. Theory and concepts are presented through lectures and assigned readings,
while exercises and speech performances are done within a laboratory setting.
The course covers the fundamentals of voice and diction, emphasizing breathing
techniques, correct pronunciation, enunciation, and articulation. Included is
a brief survey of phonetics with special emphasis on the IPA (International Phonetic
Alphabet), and a study of the anatomy and physiology of speech (speech production).
The course emphasizes demographics as used in audience analysis. Also covered
is the composition of different kinds of speeches, Informative and actuative,
and the techniques of extemporaneous speaking. Small group communication is given
careful attention, as well as some consideration of debate.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
403
English - African Novel Pre-requisite: English 305
This
course is a concentrated study of major African Novels with emphasis on a critical
analysis of the themes, genres, structures, styles and use of language In the
realization of the author's purpose. The course devotes attention to novels by
Liberian authors, and authors whose works, by virtue of their excellence, historical
and social relevance or political commitment have proved landmarks in the development
of the African Novel.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
404
English - African Drama and Poetry
Pre-requisite: English 305
This
course is an intensive study of the view of the African World as created and propounded
in the major African plays and their influence on the society. The student will
be acquainted with the mechanics of play analysis and interpretation. The poetry
section is a critical study of the themes, styles, structure, historical and social
circumstances of African Poetry beginning with the poetry of Liberia. It emphasizes
major African poets such as Moore, Williams, Senghor, Diop, Clark, Okigbo, Dipoko.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
405
English - English Novel
Pre-requisite: English 203-204
A
survey of the English Novel from Its beginning to the present time, stressing
Its variety, aim and techniques, its social, historical and fictional values.
It is to include a critical study of the major contributions made by the Novelists
of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The first series of lectures examine
the Novel as an art form and introduce the student to the techniques of structural
analysis. Subsequent lecture series examine the leading motives of the major novels
against the background of the periods.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
406
English - American Novel
This
course presents a detailed structural analysis of selected major novels together
with a discussion of their historical contexts. The selection of novels varies
from year to year but will include representative works from the following authors:
Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, James, Dreiser, Gather, Lewis, Fitzgerald, Hemingway
and Faulkner. The student will also read Independently selections from an approved
reading list.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
407
English - Twentieth Century Poetry
Pre-requlsite: English 203-204
Trends,
themes and modes in the poetry of our own century as exemplified by analysis of
specific poems and the poetic strategies of particular poets. Selections from
the works of all Important poets of the period will be studied, ranging from those
of the Victorian precursors: Hopkins, Emily Dickinson and George Meredith to those
of Dylan Thomas, Robert Lowell and very recent "Moderns." Although chief
emphasis will be placed on British and American poetry, some attention will be
given to such poets as Lucle-Smith (West Indian).
Credit:
3 credits/semester
408
English - Shakespeare
Pre-requlslte: English 203-204
The
best plays of Shakespeare are studied. This course introduces the students to
Shakespearean studies and includes a general survey of his dramatic art, the theater
and companies of his period and the national and social background to his plays.
The methods of the Shakespearean techniques - his style, plotting and characteristics
are studied. The student Is required to become familiar with the total Shakespeare:
his poetry, sonnets and songs. A major part of the course is the detailed study
of some of his comedies and tragedies.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
409
English - Seminar in African Literature
Pre-requisite: English 305. Permission
of Instructor required.
This
Honors Seminar is designed to provide the superior student With a unique opportunity
for intellectual enrichment beyond the normal academic program. The selected student,
working under the direction of a faculty member, Independently researches an area
of African Literature and Linguistics, and writes an extended analytical paper.
Students In this program have the opportunity of attending special seminars, lectures
and performances related to the general area of African Culture,
This
Seminar may be taken concurrently with a standard course on Africa (for example
Government, Sociology, Anthropology) by students who are non-English major. Whenever
this happens, trie student receives both a grade and an academic credit for his
standard course and is also awarded a grade for the Honors Seminar.
Credit:
6 credits/semester
410
English -The English Language Today
Pre-requisite: English 323
This
course has a two-fold purpose: (a) To provide an accurate structural description
of what modern English is, what it does and can do; (b) To provide for English
majors and other students professionally concerned with English, a terminal course
in the efficient use of language on the written and spoken levels of expression.
It will examine some of the theories of language analysis today, e.g. phrase and
sentence structure rules, transformation generative grammar, immediate constituent
analysis, etc.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
411
English -Advanced Composition
The
writing of Exposition. This section of the course will be devoted exclusively
to the writing of major forms of modern exposition: the journalistic reports,
the essay of inquiry, the essay of judgement (argumentation), the critical-review,
the essay of personal experience. The following principles of modern exposition
will be demonstrated: thesis, movement of thought, transition, inductive and deductive
development, style and mechanics. Each student will be responsible for the writing
of four fully developed essays.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
412
English - Advanced Composition
The
writing of fiction. This section of the course will be devoted exclusively to
the writing of the Modern Short Story based upon contemporary African experiences.
The following principles of short fiction will be demonstrated: conflict, suspense,
point-of-view, dramatic movement of plot, characterization, motivation, setting,
dialogue, language and symbol. Each student will be responsible for the writing
of four fully developed short stories.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
421
English - Advanced Composition
Expository
writing: This section of the course will continue with the presentation of the
techniques of advanced expository writing. Topics will include the following:
paragraph movement, the thesis, major movement of thought within the development
of the thesis, logic fn composition, the uses of analogy and the inquiry, judgement
and personal experience. As in English 411, the emphasis in both section of English
421 is upon performance, not theory.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
422
English - Advanced Composition
Creative
writing: This section of the course will continue with the presentation of the
techniques of creative writings: conflict point-of-view characterization, setting,
realistic and stylized dialogue and symbolic language and action. The student
will not be confined, however, to the writing of short fiction. Techniques in
the writing of modern poetry, particularly modern African poetry will be presented.
The student may also choose to work with the drama in the form of the one-act
play.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
431
English - Senior Thesis
This
course provides the opportunity for trie student lo investigate and report his
finding on a problem relevant to the discipline in either Literature or Linguistics.
The primary purpose is to test the student's ability to discuss clearly, objectively,
and in good life ary form, his sources, methods and conclusions.
Credit:
3 credits/semester
