JAMB Syllabus For Literature In English 2023/2024 (PDF Download)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) syllabus for Literature in English is a guide for candidates who are preparing to take the JAMB examination. The syllabus provides an outline of the topics and themes that will be covered in the exam, as well as the assessment format and recommended textbooks. It is designed to help candidates understand the expectations of the exam and to prepare effectively.

The JAMB Syllabus for Literature in English is regularly updated to ensure that it reflects current trends in the field and to help candidates stay abreast of the latest developments. This introduction provides an overview of the JAMB Syllabus for Literature in English for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) Syllabus for Literature in English outlines the topics and subtopics that candidates who are seeking admission to study Literature in English at the tertiary level are expected to know. The syllabus is updated every year to reflect changes in the literature curriculum, and the 2023/2024 JAMB syllabus for Literature in English has been released.

The syllabus is divided into three main sections: Prose, Poetry, and Drama. Each section is further divided into specific topics and subtopics, as follows:

Prose

• The African and the African-American Novel: Achebe, Soyinka, Armah, and Wright.
• The European Novel: Defoe, Austen, Dickens, Hardy, and Lawrence.
• The Non-European Novel: Fuentes, Garcia Marquez, and Soyinka.
• The Short Story: Poe, Joyce, and Ekwensi.
• Drama: Shakespeare, Sophocles, Ola Rotimi, and Wole Soyinka.
• Poetry: John Donne, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Blake, John Keats, Alfred Lord Tennyson, W.B. Yeats, and Chinua Achebe.

Candidates are expected to have a good understanding of the themes, characters, plot, literary devices, and cultural contexts of the works listed in the syllabus. They should be able to analyze and interpret texts, identify literary devices, and relate literary works to their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

It is important to note that the JAMB syllabus for Literature in English is not exhaustive, and candidates are advised to read widely beyond the works listed in the syllabus. They should also develop critical thinking skills, analytical skills, and writing skills, as these are essential for success in the literature curriculum.

The JAMB syllabus for Literature in English is a guide for candidates who are preparing for the JAMB examination. Candidates should study the syllabus carefully, read widely, and develop the necessary skills to succeed in the literature curriculum.

Aims:

The aims of the Literature in English Syllabus are to provide a framework for the teaching, learning, and assessment of Literature in English at the secondary and tertiary levels. The syllabus aims to:

• Develop critical reading skills: The literature in English Syllabus aims to develop critical reading skills in students. It encourages students to read widely and analyze literary works critically, identify literary devices, and interpret texts.
• Promote cultural understanding: The syllabus aims to promote cultural understanding by exposing students to works of literature from different cultures and historical periods. It encourages students to understand the social and cultural contexts of literary works.
• Foster creativity: The Literature in English Syllabus aims to foster creativity in students. It encourages students to develop their creative writing skills by writing original works of literature.
• Develop analytical skills: The syllabus aims to develop analytical skills in students. It encourages students to analyze literary works and identify the literary devices used by authors to create meaning.
• Develop language proficiency: Literature in English Syllabus aims to develop language proficiency in students. It encourages students to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English.
• Prepare students for higher education: The Literature in English Syllabus aims to prepare students for higher education. It equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in literature-related courses at the tertiary level.

The literature in English Syllabus aims to develop critical reading skills, promote cultural understanding, foster creativity, develop analytical skills, develop language proficiency, and prepare students for higher education.

General Objectives

• To expose candidates to a variety of literary works from different cultures and historical periods.
• To develop candidates’ critical reading and analytical skills, including the ability to identify literary devices and interpret texts.
• To foster an appreciation of literature as a form of art and a means of communication.
• To promote cultural understanding and empathy through the study of literature from diverse cultures and perspectives.
• To develop candidates’ language proficiency in English, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• To prepare candidates for higher education in literature-related courses.
• To encourage candidates to develop their creative writing skills and express themselves through writing.
• To provide a framework for teaching, learning, and assessment of Literature in English in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
• To equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the JAMB examination and other literature-related examinations.
• To promote the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in candidates.

The objectives of the JAMB Literature Syllabus 2023 are to develop candidates’ critical reading and analytical skills, promote cultural understanding, foster creativity, develop language proficiency, prepare candidates for higher education, and provide a framework for teaching, learning, and assessment of Literature in English.

Parts of JAMB Literature in English Syllabus

The JAMB Literature in English Syllabus is divided into three main parts and other two Subparts, which are:

• Prose
• Drama
• Poetry
• General Literary Principles
• Literary Appreciation

Prose

This part of the syllabus includes the study of novels and short stories written by authors from different cultures and historical periods. The focus is on the analysis of the themes, characters, plot, literary devices, and cultural contexts of the works.

Poetry

This part of the syllabus includes the study of poems written by poets from different cultures and historical periods. The focus is on the analysis of the language, themes, imagery, sound devices, and cultural contexts of the poems.

Drama

This part of the syllabus includes the study of plays written by playwrights from different cultures and historical periods. The focus is on the analysis of the themes, characters, plot, literary devices, and cultural contexts of the plays.

General Literary Principles

General literary principles refer to the fundamental ideas and concepts that form the basis of the study of literature. These principles help us understand how literary works are created, how they communicate meaning, and how they affect readers.

• Here are some of the general literary principles:
• Genre: Genre refers to the category or type of literary work. It helps us understand the conventions and expectations of a particular type of literature, such as a novel, play, or poem.
• Form: Form refers to the structure or organization of a literary work, including its length, meter, and rhyme scheme. It helps us understand how the writer has arranged the elements of the work to create meaning.
• Style: Style refers to the distinctive way in which a writer uses language, including the choice of words, sentence structure, and tone. It helps us understand the writer’s intentions and the effect of the work on readers.
• Literary devices: Literary devices refer to the techniques writers use to create meaning, such as metaphor, simile, imagery, and symbolism. These devices help us understand how the writer has used language to communicate a particular idea or emotion.
• Theme: Theme refers to the central idea or message of a literary work. It helps us understand the writer’s perspective on a particular issue or topic and the universal human experiences that the work explores.
• Context: Context refers to the social, historical, and cultural background of a literary work. It helps us understand the influences that shaped the work and the meaning it had for its original audience.
• Interpretation: Interpretation refers to the process of analyzing and making meaning from a literary work. It involves understanding the writer’s intention, the meaning conveyed by the work, and the reader’s response to it.

Literary Appreciation

Literary appreciation refers to the ability to understand and enjoy the aesthetic qualities of a literary work. It involves recognizing and analyzing the elements of a literary work, such as language, form, and structure, to appreciate its artistic merit and significance.

Each part of the syllabus is further divided into specific topics and subtopics, which are designed to guide the teaching, learning, and assessment of Literature in English. For example, under the Prose section, the syllabus covers topics such as African and African-American Novel, European Novel, Non-European Novels, and Short Stories. Under the Poetry section, the syllabus covers topics such as Metaphysical Poetry, Romantic Poetry, and Modern Poetry. Under the Drama section, the syllabus covers topics such as Classical Drama, Elizabethan Drama, and Modern Drama.

In summary, the JAMB Literature in English Syllabus is divided into three parts: Prose, Poetry, and Drama. Each part is further divided into specific topics and subtopics that guide the teaching, learning, and assessment of Literature in English.

Detailed Contents Of The Parts of the JAMB Syllabus For Literature In English

Drama

Drama is a form of literature that is written to be performed on stage. It is a collaborative art form that combines elements of literature, theater, and performance to create a work of art that is meant to be experienced in real time by an audience.

Drama is characterized by its use of dialogue, action, and conflict to tell a story. Unlike other forms of literature, drama is written to be performed by actors who bring the characters and the story to life through their interpretation of the script.

Types Drama

Types of Drama	Dramatic Techniques	Interpretation of the Prescribed Texts
Tragedy	Characterization	Theme
Comedy	Dialogue	Plot
Tragicomedy	Flashback	Socio-political context
Melodrama	Mime	Setting
Farce	Costume
Opera	Music/Dance
	Decor/scenery
	Acts/Scenes
	Soliloquy/aside
	Figures of Speech

Objectives of Drama in Literature

The objectives of drama in literature are multifaceted and can vary depending on the context and purpose of the play. However, some common objectives of drama in the literature include:

• Entertainment: One of the primary objectives of drama in literature is to entertain the audience. Drama can provide an enjoyable and engaging experience for the audience through its use of interesting characters, compelling stories, and engaging dialogue.
• Education: Drama can also serve an educational purpose by teaching the audience about different cultures, historical events, and social issues. By exploring these themes through the medium of drama, the audience can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
• Social Commentary: Drama can be used to comment on social issues and injustices in society. Through its use of characters and storylines, drama can raise awareness and provoke discussion about important issues such as racism, sexism, and inequality.
• Emotional Catharsis: Drama can provide a cathartic release for the audience by allowing them to experience intense emotions through the characters and storylines. This can be a therapeutic and transformative experience for the audience, allowing them to process and reflect on their own emotions and experiences.
• Artistic Expression: Finally, drama can serve as a form of artistic expression, allowing playwrights, actors, and directors to showcase their creative talents and bring their artistic vision to life on stage. Through its use of language, imagery, and symbolism, drama can be a powerful and evocative form of art that resonates with audiences on a deep and meaningful level.

Prose

The prose is a form of written or spoken language that follows the natural patterns of speech and is characterized by its lack of structured meter or rhyme. It is one of the three major forms of literature, alongside poetry and drama.

Prose can take many forms, including novels, short stories, essays, memoirs, and biographies. It can be written in a variety of styles, from simple and straightforward to complex and ornate. Some common features of prose include:

Prose Fiction in Literature	Description
Types of Prose
Fiction
Novel	differentiate between types of novels
Novella/Novelette
Short story	identify the category that each prescribed text belongs to; analyze the components of each type of prose
Non-fiction
Biography
Autobiography
Memoir
Faction: a combination of fact and fiction	identify the balance of facts and fiction in literary fiction
Narrative Techniques/Devices
Point of view	identify the narrative techniques used in each of the prescribed texts
Omniscient	determine an author’s narrative style
First-person	distinguish between one type of character from another
Second person
Third person
Stream of consciousness
Epiphany
Characterization
Round
Flat
Foil
Hero
Anti-hero/villain
Heroine, etc.
Language
Textual Analysis
Theme	determine the thematic pre-occupation of the prescribed text
Plot	indicate the plot of the novel
Setting (Temporal/Spatial)	identify the setting and period/timing of the novel
Socio-political context	relate the prescribed text to social reality
Objectives of Prose in Literature	Candidates should be able to:
	differentiate between types of novels
	identify the category that each prescribed text belongs to
	analyze the components of each type of prose
	identify the balance of facts and fiction in literary fiction
	identify the narrative techniques used in each of the prescribed texts
	determine an author’s narrative style
	distinguish between one type of character from another
	determine the thematic pre-occupation of the prescribed text
	indicate the plot of the novel
	identify the setting and period/timing of the novel
	relate the prescribed text to social reality

Objectives of Prose in Literature

• Developing an appreciation for the art of storytelling and an understanding of the different forms and techniques used in prose fiction.
• Enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills through the analysis of plot, characterization, language, and other literary elements.
• Building vocabulary and improving grammar, diction, and clarity of expression.
• Examining the relationship between literature and society, and gaining insight into social, cultural, and historical contexts.
• Developing the ability to compare and contrast different types of prose fiction, including novels, novellas, short stories, and non-fiction.
• Understanding the use of narrative techniques and devices such as point of view, stream of consciousness, and epiphany in prose fiction.
• Developing the ability to interpret the thematic preoccupations of a novel and relate them to social reality.
• Enhancing writing skills through the emulation of literary techniques and styles.
• Encouraging independent and critical reading, and the development of a lifelong love for literature.

Poetry

Poetry is a form of literature that uses language to evoke emotion, convey meaning, and create imagery through the use of various techniques such as rhyme, meter, and metaphor. The study of poetry in literature aims to develop an appreciation for the art form and to understand the techniques used by poets to create meaning and impact.

Content of Poetry in Literature

Content of Poetry in Literature	Description
Types of poetry	Sonnet, Ode, Lyrics, Elegy, Ballad, Panegyric, Epic, Blank Verse, etc.
Poetic devices	Imagery, Sound (Rhyme/Rhythm, repetition, pun, onomatopoeia, etc.), Diction, Persona
Appreciation	Understanding the beauty and power of language, emotion and its impact, analysis of literary techniques, interpretation of meaning, tone, and themes
Thematic preoccupation	Examining the themes and subjects of poems, including love, nature, death, war, religion, and politics
Socio-political relevance	Understanding the historical, cultural, and social contexts of poems and how they reflect the time and place in which they were written
Style	Analyzing the different styles of poets, including their use of language, structure, and form

Objectives of Poetry in Literature

• To help candidates develop an appreciation of the beauty and power of language, as well as an understanding of how emotions are conveyed through words.
• To enable candidates to analyze and interpret the literary techniques used by poets, including imagery, sound, diction, and persona.
• To encourage candidates to examine the themes and subjects of poems, including love, nature, death, war, religion, and politics, and to understand how these themes reflect the cultural and social contexts in which they were written.
• To help candidates develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which poems were written, and to appreciate how these contexts influence the poet’s work.
• To encourage candidates to develop their own creative writing skills by experimenting with different forms and styles of poetry.

General Literary Principles

Content of GeneralLiterary Principles in Literature

Literary Terms
Foreshadowing
Suspense
Theatre
Monologue
Dialogue
Soliloquy
Symbolism
Protagonist
Antagonist
Figures of speech
Satire
Stream of consciousness
Synecdoche
Metonymy

Objectives Of General Literary Principles in Literature

• Understanding the elements of literature: The aim is to enable candidates to identify and understand the various elements that make up a literary work such as plot, character, setting, theme, and style.
• Appreciating literary works: The objective is to expose candidates to different literary works and enable them to appreciate the beauty and power of language and literature.
• Understanding literary techniques: The aim is to enable candidates to understand the different literary techniques used by authors to convey their messages such as foreshadowing, symbolism, irony, and satire.
• Developing critical thinking skills: The objective is to encourage candidates to think critically about literary works and develop their analytical and interpretive skills.
• Understanding literary movements and periods: The aim is to enable candidates to understand the different literary movements and periods and their influence on the development of literature.
• Understanding the socio-political context of literary works: The objective is to enable candidates to understand the historical and socio-political context in which literary works were written and how this context influenced the themes and messages of the works.

Literary Appreciation

Content of Literary Appreciation in Literature

• Unseen passages extract from Drama, Prose, and Poetry.

Objectives

• identify literary devices used in a given passage/extract; provide an interpretation of the given passage/extract; iii. relate the extract to true life experiences.

A List of African and Non-African Drama, Prose, and Poetry for JAMB 2023

African Drama	Non-African Drama
Wole Soyinka: The Lion and the Jewel	John Osborne: Look Back in Anger

African Prose	Non-African Prose
Alex Agyei-Agyir: Unexpected Joy at Dawn	Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights
Buchi Emecheta: Second Class Citizen

African Poetry	Non-African Poetry
Leopold Sedar Senghor: Black Woman	John Donne: The Good Morrow
Niyi Osundare: The Leader and the Led	Maya Angelou: Caged Bird
Agostinho Neto: The Grieved Lands	T.S. Elliot: The Journey of the Magi
Otunara Farouk Sesay: The Song of the Women of my Land	D.H. Lawrence: Bats
Lade Wosomu: Raider of the Treasure Trove

Recommended Textbooks for JAMB 2023

Anthologies
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.,Ker, D, Maduka,C. Obafemi3O (eds.) (1996) New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc
Kermode, F. (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 Peagent 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 Texts
Abrams, M. H. (1981) A Glossary of Literary Terms, (4th Edition) New York, Holt Rinehart, and Winston
Emeaba, 0. E. (1982) A Dictionary of Literature. Aba: Inteks Press
Murphy, M. J. (1972) Understanding Unseen, An Introduction to English Poetry and English Novel for Overseas Students, George Allen and Unwin Ltd.

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Conclusion

To achieve a high score in Literature in English, it is recommended that you obtain the Literature 2023 JAMB syllabus PDF. This page has been created specifically for those taking the 2023 UTME. In order to improve your chances of success, it is important to prepare properly.

This involves studying diligently and practicing past questions using CBT. To study effectively, it is essential to have access to the necessary materials. One such material is the JAMB Literature in English Syllabus, which comprehensively covers all topics that will be examined. You can also access free JAMB Literature CBT practice on this page.

DOWNLOAD Literature 2023 JAMB syllabus PDF.