Methods of Narrative Text Analysis

Course Main Objective

To study analysis of narrative text according to the modern critical approaches and learn about the theoretical basis of such critical approaches.

Course Learning Outcomes

• 1. Knowledge and Comprehension
•    1.1 Define the most important theoretical terms relating to the narrative studies and the narrative schools and their approaches.
• 2. Skills 
  
•    2.1 Distinguish during analysis among the various narrative text approaches and their terms.
•    2.2 Use information technology and learning resources upon analyzing narrative texts.
• 3. Values 
•   3.1 Assume individual, collective and leading responsibility in personal relationships upon performing the narrative text analysis-related assignments.
•   3.2 Perform the literary assignments observing scientific research ethics and academic integrity achieving traits of responsible citizen.

Course Content

1- An introduction about the course and its requirements.
2- A general conceptual theoretical preface to the most important theoretical terms relating to the narrative study field: (poetic narrativity, storytelling, narration, time, dialogue, flashback "analepsis", flashforward "prolepsis").
3- Narrative discourse and its structural and semantic components and mechanism of its production in the various fictional genres.
4- Identification of narrative schools: the theoretical basics and procedures: functional structuralist approach- semantic approach- factor approach- structuralist approach- semiotic approach.
5- Stages of the narrative text analysis according to basis of level analysis: (tale level, discourse level, semantic level).

Textbook (s) 

- Al-Hamadani, Hameed. Structure of Narrative Text from the Literary Criticism Perspective. Markaz Thaqafi Arabi, Beirut, 3rd ed., 2000.
- BouEzza, Muhammad. Analysis of Narrative Text: Techniques and Concepts. Al Dar Al-Arabiya, Beirut, 1431H-2010AD.

Course ID: ARAB 411