Literature

Department of English Language and Translation

College of Languages and Humanities Studies

Erbil International University
Subject: Introduction to Literature
Course Book –Bachelor course
Lecturer's name: Asst. Lect. Rayan Omar Azeez - MA
Academic Year: 2024/2025
Course Book
1. Course name Introduction to Literature
2. Lecturer in charge Rayan Omar Azeez
3. Department/ College English Language and Translation/ College of Language and
Humanities Studies
4. Contact e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 07508050255
5. Time (in hours) per week 3 hours
6. Office hours Availability of the lecturer to the student during the week.
7. Course code Not
8. Teacher's academic profile I am a teacher at English Department, College of Language, Erbil
International University. I have got my MA degree in Applied
linguistics at College of Basic Education- Salahaddin University in
2022. I have been teaching since 2018.
9. Keywords Literature, Literary terms, genre, art and letter
10. Course Description and objective:
a course on "Introduction to Literature" for a Translation Department involves integrating literary analysis
with translation theory and practice. The course should introduce students to key literary genres, themes,
and techniques while emphasizing the nuances of translating literary texts.
This course provides a foundational understanding of literary theory and analysis. Students will explore
various literary genres, including poetry, fiction, and drama, and learn to critically analyze literary texts.
Through close readings and discussions, students will develop their ability to interpret, evaluate, and
appreciate literary works.
11. Course Aims:
1. To familiarize students with major literary genres and forms.

2. To develop skills in literary analysis and interpretation.
3. To explore the challenges of translating literary texts.
4. To practice translating diverse types of literary works.
12. Student's obligation

- attending the class regularly.
- taking part in classroom discussions while explaining the topic.
- working on a project in the class.
- submit homework weekly.
Dear Students: The philosophy of this course is that learning is a social process and knowledge is
constructed, not only transferred; thus, you have a great role and responsibility in the process of learning.
A serious word of warning: please do not plagiarize or cheat. Plagiarism is presenting someone else's ideas
as your own, whether in speaking or writing--this means that you must cite all of your sources both on your
outline as well as when speaking.
13. Forms of teaching (Methodology and students’ Activities)
This course implements the learner-centred approach which enables students to relate what they read and
study to their environment and they will be responsible for their learning. Students are motivated to
participate in the learning and teaching processes. The class should be a helpful and engaging medium.
These methods are used to teach this course:
1. Lecturing: Teachers can use this method when they present new theoretical material to the students.
Videos and presentations will be useful to achieve the goals.
2. Discussion: is used to develop critical thinking and encourage self-expression and debating different
viewpoints. Discussions can be started through conversation or storytelling, and suggesting ideas for
discussion.
3. Group work: This method depends on using leadership skills, time management skills, distribution of
tasks, data collection, sharing information, accepting others’ viewpoints. This method helps students to
work in small groups to interact with each other to achieve the goal.
4. Practical activities: All the theoretical materials are carried out practically. In this method, the teacher
can make use of the following to help the students achieve their aims: A. writing a story or poetry
B. Translation literary words.
C. Participating and attending seminar
14. Assessment scheme
The assessment of this course is formative and summative assessment.
Formative Assignment (%20)
No Activity Assessment Mark %20

1 Homework %5
2 Report %5
3 Class Participation %5
4 Translation %5
Total: 20 marks
Summative Assessment (%80):
No Activity Assessment mark %80

1 Final Examination %60
2 Mid Term %15
3 Quiz %5
4
Total: 80 marks
15. Student learning outcome:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Define key literary terms and concepts.

2. Identify and analyze various literary genres, styles, and techniques.
3. Critically evaluate literary texts, considering both form and content.
4. Understand the historical and cultural contexts of literary works.
5. Develop their writing and communication skills through literary analysis.
16. Course Reading List and References‌:
 Applebee A, N et al (2006) The Language of Literature: USA: McDougal Littell
 Beers, K et al, (2003) Elements of Literature: 2nd Course: USA: HOLT, RINEHART &
WINSTON
 Druce & Tyson; (2007)
 Glawka G, (2001) Literature: Timeless voice, Timeless themes, Copper level; New Jersey: Printice
Hall
 Jacobs H, et al (2000) Literature: Timeless voice, Timeless themes, Bronze level; New Jersey:
Printice Hall
17. The Topics:
Week 1: Introduction to Literary Studies and Translation
 Overview of Literature
 Definition of literature and its significance
 Key literary terms and concepts
 Brief overview of literary criticism and its schools (e.g., formalist, feminist, Marxist,
psychoanalytic)
Week 2: Poetry – Forms and Techniques
 Types of poetry (sonnet, haiku, free verse), poetic devices (metaphor, symbolism, meter).
 Translating short poems; exploring challenges in maintaining poetic form and meaning.
 Characteristics of poetry (e.g., rhythm, meter, rhyme, stanza)
 Different poetic forms (e.g., sonnet, haiku, ballad)
Week 3: Short Stories – Structure and Style
 Elements of the short story (plot, character, setting, theme).

 Translating short stories; focus on narrative voice and stylistic nuances.
 Elements of fiction (e.g., plot, character, setting, point of view, theme)
 Different types of fiction (e.g., novel, short story, novella)
Week 4: Drama – Dialogue and Performance
 Key elements of drama (dialogue, monologue, stage directions, characterization).

 Translating dialogues; issues in capturing dramatic tone and subtext.
 Elements of drama (e.g., plot, character, setting, dialogue, stagecraft)
 Different types of drama (e.g., tragedy, comedy, historical drama)
Week 5: Novel – Narrative Techniques
 Novel structure (plot, point of view, character development).

 Translating passages from novels; focus on maintaining narrative coherence and voice.
Week 6: Literary Theory – Key Concepts
 Overview of literary theories (formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism).

 Applying literary theory to text analysis and translation.
Week 7: Translation Theory – Literary Translation
 Theories of literary translation (equivalence, adaptation, domestication vs. foreignization).

 Case studies of translated literary texts; analyzing translation choices.
Week 8: Historical and Cultural Contexts
 Importance of historical and cultural context in literature and translation.

 Translating texts with cultural references; strategies for cultural adaptation.
 Overview of literary genres (e.g., poetry, fiction, drama, nonfiction)
 Historical and cultural contexts of different literary periods (e.g., classical, medieval, Renaissance,
Romantic, modern, postmodern)
 Comparison of literary works from different cultures and time periods
 The concept of translation and its impact on literature
 The role of translation in promoting cultural understanding.
 Exploration of contemporary literary trends and movements
 Analysis of contemporary literary works (e.g., graphic novels, digital literature)
Week 9: The Short Story – Case Study
 Detailed analysis of a short story.

 Group translation project of the short story, focusing on stylistic and thematic fidelity.
Week 10: Poetry – Case Study
 Detailed analysis of a poem.

 Group translation project of the poem, focusing on meter, rhyme, and imagery.
Week 11: Drama – Case Study
 Detailed analysis of a dramatic text.

 Group translation project of a play scene, focusing on dialogue and dramatic effect.
Week 12: Novel – Case Study
 Detailed analysis of a novel excerpt.

 Group translation project of a novel passage, focusing on narrative voice and structure.
Week 13: Advanced Translation Techniques
 Advanced techniques in literary translation (localization, transcreation).

 Applying advanced techniques to complex texts.
Week 14: Comparative Literature – Cross-Cultural Perspectives
 Comparative approaches in literature and translation.

 Comparing translations of the same text; discussing differences and impacts.
Week 15: Translation Challenges and Solutions
 Common challenges in literary translation (untranslatable terms, cultural nuances).
Week 16: Translation Project – Drafting
 Best practices for translating literary texts.
Week 17: Translation Project – Presentation
 Preparing and presenting translation work.
Week 18: Course Review and Reflection
 Review of key concepts and skills learned throughout the course.

 Reflecting on translation experiences, discussing potential improvements, and final reflections.
18. Examinations:
Final Examination=60
Midterm=15
19. Extra notes:
1-The environment in which the students learn is a shared environment. For purposes of respect to
everyone involved, students should avoid the use of harsh language against
their colleagues or the instructor. The entire interaction between the participants in the class should flow in
smoothly and respectfully. Students are expected to observe politeness and interaction principles. They
should refrain from mocking classmates or cutting them off repeatedly. Students are advised to participate
in class activities and
avoid idle talk or distracting the major discussion in the class.
2- Eating in the classroom is not allowed. Drinking is allowed. Chewing is not allowed because it will
prevent the students from active participating in class discussions and assignments.
3- Also, the use of cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited because they will
distract the students.
4- Use of Kurdish Language is not allowed in the classroom unless the students feel they are unable to
express themselves. Students in these situations are advised to utter their entire words in English except for
the words or expressions they are not sure about or know no equivalent for.
20. Peer review: This course book has to be reviewed and signed by a peer. The peer approves the
contents of the course book by writing few sentences in this section. (A peer is person who has enough
knowledge about the subject you are teaching, he/she has to be a professor, assistant professor, a lecturer or
an expert in the field of your subject).

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Department of English Language and Translation

College of Languages and Humanities Studies

1. To familiarize students with major literary genres and forms.

12. Student's obligation

13. Forms of teaching (Methodology and students’ Activities)

14. Assessment scheme

The assessment of this course is formative and summative assessment.

Formative Assignment (%20)

No Activity Assessment Mark %20

Summative Assessment (%80):

No Activity Assessment mark %80

15. Student learning outcome:

1. Define key literary terms and concepts.

17. The Topics:

Week 1: Introduction to Literary Studies and Translation

Week 2: Poetry – Forms and Techniques

Week 3: Short Stories – Structure and Style

 Elements of the short story (plot, character, setting, theme).

Week 4: Drama – Dialogue and Performance

 Key elements of drama (dialogue, monologue, stage directions, characterization).

Week 5: Novel – Narrative Techniques

 Novel structure (plot, point of view, character development).

Week 6: Literary Theory – Key Concepts

 Overview of literary theories (formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism).

Week 7: Translation Theory – Literary Translation

 Theories of literary translation (equivalence, adaptation, domestication vs. foreignization).

Week 8: Historical and Cultural Contexts

 Importance of historical and cultural context in literature and translation.

Week 9: The Short Story – Case Study

 Detailed analysis of a short story.

Week 10: Poetry – Case Study

 Detailed analysis of a poem.

Week 11: Drama – Case Study

 Detailed analysis of a dramatic text.

Week 12: Novel – Case Study

 Detailed analysis of a novel excerpt.

Week 13: Advanced Translation Techniques

 Advanced techniques in literary translation (localization, transcreation).

Week 14: Comparative Literature – Cross-Cultural Perspectives

 Comparative approaches in literature and translation.

Week 15: Translation Challenges and Solutions

 Common challenges in literary translation (untranslatable terms, cultural nuances).

Week 16: Translation Project – Drafting

 Best practices for translating literary texts.

Week 17: Translation Project – Presentation

 Preparing and presenting translation work.

Week 18: Course Review and Reflection

 Review of key concepts and skills learned throughout the course.

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