THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS AND LITERARY STUDIES

COURSE OUTLINE FOR 2016 / 2017

OLT 231 / 222: LITERARY STYLISTICS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the concept of stylistics. It gives knowledge on tracing the

historical evolution of stylistics and how the studies in linguistics and semiology influenced its

modern form. The course also provides students with an understanding of how language works in

different contexts but with particular reference in literary works. Furthermore, the course defines the

nature and limitation of translation, and explains the wide range of vocabulary in appreciating

literature. The course comprises two parts. The first part of the course deals with the language of

literature. It also examines the characteristics of literary language. This part also examines how

translation affects a work of art. The second part includes the concepts of stylistics and introduces

students to the descriptive analysis of language. It covers general topics as the nature and function of

language, phonological, grammatical and semantic relations. It also covers the linguistics

characteristics of a variety of styles and registers.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this course are to enable a student to:

 key concepts in language and assesses its nature and function in literary works and other

contexts

 Trace the historical evolution of stylistics, and how it had been influenced by studies in

linguistics and semiology in its modern form

 Examine the linguistic characteristics of a variety of styles and registers, and analyzes

stylistics features in literary texts

 Define the nature and limitation of translation, and explains the wide range of

vocabulary in appreciating literature

COURSE CONTENT

MODULE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO STYLISTICS

a. Introduction

b. Historical Evolution of Stylistics

c. Phonology: The Segments of language

d. Phonology: The suprasegmental or prosodic features

e. Summary

MODULE TWO : SOUND AND SENSE

a. Metre

b. Rhythm

c. Syntax

d. Lexical Variation

e. Semantics Part One

 f. Semantic Deviation

g. Figures of Speech

h. Summary

MODULE THREE: QUESTIONS OF STYLE

a. Stylistic Properties of Prose

b. Stylistic Properties of Poetry

c. Stylistic Properties of Drama

d. Cohesion in a Literary text

e. Summary

MODULE FOUR: LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS

a. The Meaning of Language

b. Language Use and Stylistics

c The Learning of Languages

d. Characteristics of Language

e. Language description, Sound system

f. The Morphological System

MODULE FIVE: PATTERNS, CONTEXT, USE

a. Words and their Patterning

b. Words and their Meanings

c. Meaning and Context

d. Language Variety 1 & 2

e. Language Use

f. Language Variety and Role relations

 g. Summary

MODULE SIX: LANGUAGE ART

a. Language as a literary medium

b. The Language of Literature I

c. The Language of Literature II

d. The Language of Literature III

e. The Issue of Translation

f. Language and the African Writer

e. Summary and General Conclusion

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course students are expected to:

 Evaluate grammar and semantic issues.

 Describe language functions.

 Explain sound features

 Identify lexical and formal features of literary texts

 Comment analytically the identified subject matter and themes

 Demonstrate a general awareness of the subject matter and themes prevalent in oral

literature

ASSESSMENT METHODS / STRATEGIES AND CRITERIA

Assessment strategy:

Compulsory Student Progress Portfolio (SPP), timed test and final examination.

Assessment criteria:

One Timed Test 30%

Annual examination 70%

Total 100%

Pass Mark shall be 40%

Grading shall be as follows:

A Excellent 70%-100%

B+ Very Good 60%- 69%

B Good 50%- 59%

C Satisfactory 40%- 49%

D Marginal Fail 35%- 39%

E Absolute Fail 0%- 34%

BASIC READINGS/REFERENCES

Carter, Ronald. Ed, Language and Literature. Unwin, London, 1982.

Chapman, R. Linguistics and Literature: An Introduction to Literary Stylistics,

Rowman and Littlefield, London, 1973.

Chomsky, N., Language and Mind, Harcourt Brace Publishers, London & New York, 1982.

Fromkin, V. and Rodman, R.. An Introduction to Language, Holt,

Rinehart & Winston, Orlando, Florida, 1998

Hasan, Ruqaiya, Linguistics, Language and Verbal Art, Deakin University Press. 1985

Leech, Geoffrey N., A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry. Longman, London, 1969.

Leech, Geoffrey N and M.H. Short, Style in Fiction, Longman, London,1981