Genre of Literature
Definition of Genres.
Subject: Literature-in-English
Theme: Literature
Topic: Genre of Literature
Sub Topic:
Date: dd/mm/yyyy
Class: S.S 1
Average Age: 14 years and above
Duration: 35 Minutes
No of Learners: 40
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson learners should be able to:Define Genre of Literature:
The word ‘genre’ simply means branches or arms; and these branches of literature includes Drama, Prose, and Poetry. Oftentimes, works of oral literature serve as sources or raw materials for written literature.These genres of literature: Drama, Prose and Poetry, have their uniqueness and peculiarities, which make them distinct from one another. As they are all written works that are creative and imaginative, they also possess features that are particular to a type.
List the Genres of Literature:
Literature is a work of art that reflect human society. It is a mirror of life. Literature is a tool used to look at the ills of life and aim at correcting it. That is why literature is a mirror of life.Genres of literature
The genres of literature are the forms of literature that we have, and these genres are: drama, poetry and prose.
Drama:
The word drama is gotten from the Greek word “Dran” which means to do or act. Drama as a genre of literature possesses a major feature which is action, irrespective of whether it is on a built stage or on a village pathway as in the case of village festivals or dances. And this becomes a unifying factor for all dramatic type. Drama cannot take place without characters, therefore it is all about persons in action.Drama or play is the imitation of some actions. It is a genre of literature like poetry and prose. It is solely for presentation in the theatre by actors who perform specified actions. The form ‘drama’ is derived from a Greek word that means ‘action’. Drama is the only is the only genre of literature that is associated with stage performance. Dramas sometimes involve songs and music.
Poetry:
Poetry is a form of writing stimulated by emotion and expressing a deep feeling that may be very difficult to explain in literary form. This is because it is the sum total of the use of certain devices such as rhyme, rhythm, metre, the figure of speech, stanza, subject matter, the poet’s feeling, his/her attitude to the subject matter, etc. This use is expressed in a manner of language application that attracts attention to it, especially when words are found or used in unusual places or settings. From the above, it becomes necessary to note that a poet is literally permitted to use language the way it pleases him/her. And this liberty or freedom with the language used by a poet is called Poetic License. This is the freedom to change the system and rules of a language in order to achieve a particular effect. Poetry is also seen as a spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions and feelings in tranquillity by deploring rich diction. Poems can be classified on the basis of content, style and structure.Prose:
‘Prose’ refers to the literary or written form of the language of ordinary speech. It is a work of art that is written in narration, and comes in chapters and paragraphs.Some plays are written in prose (e.g.) Sheridan’s The Rivals, Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer, the plays of Ene Henshaw, etc. Although fictional writings largely come under the umbrella of prose, fictional works could be written in poetic prose.
In a modern sense, fiction refers to a work in which an invented tale/story is presented in the form of a narrative in prose. In other words when we say ‘narrative in prose’, we do not include plays and poems. The reason is that the story conveyed in a play is enacted while the story in a narrative poem is narrated in verse rather than in prose. Prose may be classified as “fiction” and “non-fiction”.
Prose text are usually written in plain writing that is free from rhythmic pattern or technical arrangements. Prose explains its message very well. The write takes time to describe characters, events and settings. Prose is written in; Sentences and chapters.
A person who writes prose is called a novelist. Example of prose
The example of prose are; short stories, novel or essays
SHORT STORIES-these are short written stories about imaginary situation and characters
NOVEL: this a long written story in which the character and event are usually imaginary
Explain Oral literature as a source of written literature:
Literature is the study of man, his feelings or emotions his needs, his relationships to his society, his contractions within himself and his community and his responses to all these aspects. However, it takes stories passed on via folktales, folklores from one generation to the other, to facilitate informed written literature.Rationale:
Literature focuses on the study of literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, evaluate perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations.Prerequisite/ Previous knowledge:
Storyings, songs, history etc.Learning Resources:
Flash cards, Text bookReference Materials:
J.O.J. Nwachukwu et al: Exam Focus: Literature-in-English 2021-2025Tony Duru: Standard Literature-in-English
Lesson Development:
STAGE |
TEACHER'S ACTIVITY |
LEARNER'S ACTIVITY |
LEARNING POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 1: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE full class session (5 mins) |
The teacher revises the previous
knowledge of the students through question and answer. i. Define literature in your own language. ii. Enumerate four sources of literature. iii. Mention three functions or purpose of literature. |
The students listen and begin to answer teacher's questions. Learners expected respond: i. Literature is defined as books and other written works, especially those considered having creative or artistic merit or lasting value. ii. MYTH: is an imaginary story of gods, heroes, heroines and supernatural beings which the society holds in high esteem. This form of story is usually rendered orally. LEGEND: An old, well known story, often centred on adventure of brave people, or magical events. A legend could mean someone who is famous and admired for being extremely good at doing something. ORAL POETRY: This is poetry done by word of mouth. That is, it is rendered orally. The purpose is to praise an event, individual or society for great deeds. Poems under this are known as praise poem or panegyric. SONGS: Songs are lyrics or beats with the words designed to entertain people. Songs can be done with or without use of musical instrument. iii. To Educate People To Entertain People To Express People’s Culture |
Revising previous knowledge. |
| STEP 2: INTRODUCTION full class session (3 mins) |
Through question and answer with an instructional resources teacher guides the learners to define genre and list the genre of literature. | The students begin to define genre and list the genre of literature The word ‘genre’ simply means branches or arms; and these branches of literature includes Drama, Prose, and Poetry. |
Meaning of genre and genre of literature |
| STEP 3: DEVELOPMENT Group Work (2 mins) |
The teacher guides the learners to form four groups and asks them to choose their leaders and secretaries. | Learners choose their group leaders and secretaries. | Inculcating leadership skills, competitive spirit, cooperation, teamwork and a sense of responsibility among learners. |
| STEP 4: EXPLORATION 10 mins |
The teacher instructed the students to read selected pages in selected literature books, thereafter, drills the students to explain the genre of literature. | The students begin to explaine the
genre of literature after reading the selected literature books. 1. DRAMA: It is solely for presentation in the theatre by actors who perform specified actions. 2. POETRY: Is a form of literature that evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience or a specific emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound, and rhythm 3. PROSE: Presents an events or character in a story form. The work of prose is the novels we read (story books) Novels are written and arranged in chapters and paragraphs. They are written in narrative form. |
Being able to explain the genre of literature. |
| STEP 5: DISCUSSION 5 mins. |
The teacher instructs the students to explain oral literature as a source of written literature | The students quickly explain oral literature as a source of written literature: Literature is the study of man, his feelings or emotions his needs, his relationships to his society, his contractions within himself and his community and his responses to all these aspects. However, it takes stories passed on via folktales, folklores from one generation to the other, to facilitate informed written literature. |
Oral literature as a source of written literature |
| STEP 6: EVALUATION 5 mins |
The teacher asks the students questions. i. List the genre of literature. ii. Differentiate between the genre of literature. iii. Explain oral literature as a source of written literature. |
The students Provide answers to the
following questions.: i. Drama, Prose, and Poetry. ii. Play is another name for drama and it sometimes involves song/music. It is a piece of writing that is meant to be acted or performed for an audience. Prose presents an events or character in a story form. The work of prose is the novels we read (story books). Novels are written and arranged in chapters and paragraphs. They are written in narrative form. Poetry uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings. Poetry employs a variety of devices like figures of speech, emotive language, rhyme, rhythm, metre, etc. iii. Stories passed on via folktales from one generation to the other facilitate written literature. |
Asking the learners questions to assess the achievement of the set objectives. |
| ASSIGNMENT | The teacher gives learners take home 1. What are the arms of literature? 2. What is drama? 3. With the aid of a diagram explain the Genres of Literature. |
The learners copy the assignment | Better understanding of Genres of literature |
| CONCLUSION 2mins |
Teachers wrap up from the learners' contribution. | The students listen to the teacher and copy down notes. | Consolidating and harmonizing scientific concepts. |