ENG1501/101/3/2017

Tutorial Letter 101/3/2017

Foundations in English Literary Studies

ENG1501

Semesters 1 and 2

Department of English Studies

This tutorial letter contains important information

about your module.

BARCODE

Open Rubric
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ...................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS ................................................................................... 4
3.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 6
4 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Prescribed books .......................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Recommended books ................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)................................................................................................. 7
4.4 Library services and resources information ................................................................................... 7
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 8
6 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 9
7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING ..................................................... 9
8 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 9
8.1 Assessment criteria....................................................................................................................... 9
8.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 11
8.3 Assignment numbers .................................................................................................................. 11
8.3.1 General assignment numbers ..................................................................................................... 11
8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers ...................................................................................................... 12
8.5 Submission of assignments ........................................................................................................ 12
8.6 The assignments ........................................................................................................................ 12
8.7 Other assessment methods ........................................................................................................ 19
8.8 The examination ......................................................................................................................... 19
9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 20
10 SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 20
11 IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 20
12 ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................... 20

2
 ENG1501/1012017

Dear Student

1 INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to welcome you to this module and hope that you will find it both
interesting and rewarding. We will do our best to make your study of this module successful.
You will be well on your way to success if you start studying early in the semester and
resolve to do the assignments thoroughly and in good time for submission.

A number of tutorial letters will be placed on the ENG1501 site on myUnisa during the
semester. These will also be posted to you. A tutorial letter is our way of communicating
with you about teaching, learning and assessment. Please make sure you check this site
regularly so that you are aware of any new material that is available or announcements that
have been made.

Tutorial Letter 101 (this letter) contains important information about the scheme of work,
resources and assignments for this module. We urge you to read it carefully and to keep it
at hand when working through the study material, preparing your assignment(s), preparing for
the examination and addressing questions to your lecturers.

In Tutorial Letter 101, you will find the assignments and assessment criteria as well as
instructions on the preparation and submission of the assignments. This tutorial letter also
provides all the information you need about the prescribed study material and other
resources and how to obtain these. Please study this information carefully and make sure
that you obtain the prescribed material as soon as possible.

We have also included certain general and administrative information about this module.

Right from the start we would like to point out that you must read all the tutorial letters you
receive during the semester immediately and carefully, as they always contain important
and, sometimes, urgent information.

We hope that you will enjoy this module and wish you all the best!

Tutorial matter
Unisas department of Despatch should supply you with the following tutorial matter for
this module:

Tutorial Letters 101, 501 and 301 (READ THESE FIRST) for ENG1501

Inventory: You will receive an inventory, that is, a list of your tutorial matter and information
about this tutorial matter. Also see the brochure entitled my Studies @ Unisa (which you
received with your tutorial material). Check the study material that you have received against
the inventory. You should have received all the items listed in the inventory, unless there
is a statement out of stock or not available. If any item is missing, follow the instructions
on the back of the inventory letter without delay.

Please note that this study material can be downloaded f r om myUnisa.

3
Study material

This module has the following official study material: Tutorial Letters 101, 501 and 301 for
ENG1501 after payment of the necessary deposit, and other tutorial material at a later stage.

Apart from these three tutorial letters, we will also write other tutorial letters during the
semester. These tutorial letters will not necessarily be available at the time of registration. As
noted above, tutorial letters will be posted on myUnisa at http://my.unisa.ac.za as soon as they
are needed (for example, feedback letters on your assignments, pre-exam information, and so
on). You will be notified every time new material is available on myUnisa.

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose
This module aims to establish a literary and academic foundation for English studies. It
will introduce you to representations of diversity in literature. You will learn to apply
appropriate reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and non-literary texts in English
and you will also be expected to demonstrate the basic skills of writing academic English.

All the assignments invite you to explore new areas of thinking. Each will take you through a
process of learning in which you will encounter a wide range of ideas. The assignments are
designed to guide you towards an informed understanding of what writers (and texts) seem to
do. These assignments require you to read and think about the literary texts.

2.2 Outcomes
This module provides a foundation for literary study. Its outcomes include:
reading a range of literary texts in different genres (poetry, prose and drama) with
comprehension at an inferential level;
reading and commenting on a selection of literary texts, using acceptable academic
discourse;
demonstrating basic awareness of the creative choices made by writers of literary texts
in English;
exploring and explaining aspects of artistic imagination and literary devices; and
using acceptable conventions of literary criticism.

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

Please note: To streamline queries and ensure that students are assisted as soon as possible,
we have a dedicated email address for this module. We appeal to students to use the address
for any and all student queries. Using this address will ensure that your query is sent to the
person who can best attend to it as soon as possible.

The dedicated email address for this module is: ENG1501@unisa.ac.za

3.1 Lecturer(s)
All the lecturers involved in guiding you through this module are eager to help you succeed
in this course. You can speak to the lecturers by contacting them on the numbers indicated
in this tutorial letter or you can contact us by email at ENG1501@unisa.ac.za.

4
 ENG1501/1012017

The lecturers responsible for this module are as follows:

Lecturers name: Ruth Scheepers (Dr)

Telephone number: 012 429 6914

Lecturers Name: Marietta Bettman (Ms)

Telephone number: 012 429 2120

Lecturers Name: Andrew Carolin (Mr)

Telephone number: 012 429 8015

Lecturers Name: Raphael Dabdon (Dr)

Telephone number: 012 429 6326

Lecturers Name: Reinhardt Fourie (Mr)

Telephone number: 012 429 6603

Lecturers Name: Greg Graham-Smith (Dr)

Telephone number: 012 429 6572

Lecturers Name: Fetson Kalua (Prof.)

Telephone number: 012 429 6356

Lecturers Name: Rizwana Latha (Ms)

Telephone number: 012 429 6279

Lecturers Name: Jessica Murray (Prof.)

Telephone number: 012 429 6047

Lecturers Name: Louise Nortj (Ms)

Telephone number: 012 429 6823

Lecturers Name: Maurice Vambe (Prof.)

Telephone number: 012 429 8529

All queries that are not of a purely administrative nature but which are about the content of
this module should be directed to the teaching team. Please have your study material at
hand when you contact us.

Please make sure that you always use your @mylife.unisa.ac.za email account when you
communicate with us. Make sure you sign up for this account as soon as you have registered.
We cannot guarantee that emails from personal accounts will reach us.

5
3.2 Department
The Chair of Department: Prof. MMK Lephalala
The PA to Chair of Department is: Mrs G Moeng (012) 429 6714
Departmental fax number: (012) 429 6222

The Administrative Officer for ENG1501:

Ms MJ Tshabalala
Tel.: (012) 429 4754
Email: tshabmj@unisa.ac.za

Telephone numbers are included above, but you might also want to write to us. Address
your letters directly to:

Level Coordinator (ENG1501)

Department of English Studies
PO Box 392
UNISA
0003

Please note: Letters to lecturers may not be enclosed in assignments.

3.3 University
You will find general Unisa contact details in my Studies @ Unisa brochure; remember to use
your student number when contacting the University.

4 RESOURCES
4.1 Prescribed books
Moffett, H. (ed.). 2013. Seasons Come to Pass: An Anthology for Southern African Students
(3rd edition). Cape Town: Oxford University Press.

Kane, G., Byrne, D. & Scheepers, R. 2013. Introduction to English Literary Studies (3rd
edition). Cape Town: Oxford University Press.

Salinger, J.D. 2010. The Catcher in the Rye. London: Penguin.

Fugard, A. 2003. The Road to Mecca. Johannesburg: Penguin.

Head, B. 1972 (rpt. 1987). When Rain Clouds Gather. London: Heinemann. (Or any more
recent editions.)

NOTE 1:
The teaching team for ENG1501 has followed Unisas Code of Ethics and Conduct in
prescribing Introduction to English Literary Studies, given that two of the three
authors are Unisa employees. The Tuition Committee of the School of Arts has
considered the ethical implications of prescribing the book and has approved it.

6
 ENG1501/1012017

NOTE 2:
We are aware that buying five books may be expensive. While you are encouraged to buy
second-hand books where possible, please make sure that you buy the right edition:
Seasons Come to Pass is now in its third edition and differs from earlier editions. In order to
prepare adequately for the assignments and the examination of this module, you need to
purchase all five prescribed texts.

Please consult the list of official booksellers and their addresses in my Studies @ Unisa.
If you have any difficulties in obtaining books from these bookshops,
please contact the prescribed books section as soon as possible, at:
Telephone number 012 429 4152
E-mail vospresc@unisa.ac.za
Be aware that books can also be bought online from sites such as
www.takealot.com and www.loot.co.za.

4.2 Recommended books

We recommend that students purchase a good dictionary, such as the Oxford Advanced
Learners Dictionary.

4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)

Assignment 01 Semester 1: Agenda. 2016. Oxford English Dictionary Online. Viewed 28 April
2016, < http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/3853?redirectedFrom=agenda&>.

Assignment 01 Semester 2: Persephone. 2016. Encyclopdia Britannica Online. Viewed 28

April 2016, <http://0-global.britannica.com.oasis.unisa.ac.za/topic/Persephone-Greek-oddess>.

4.4 Library services and resources information

For brief information, go to www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

For detailed information, go to the Unisa website at http://www.unisa.ac.za/ and click on

Library.

For research support and services of personal librarians, go to

http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7102.

The library has compiled a number of library guides:

finding recommended reading in the print collection and e-reserves

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/undergrad
requesting material http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
postgraduate information services http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
finding, obtaining and using library resources and tools to assist in doing research
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_Skills
how to contact the library/finding us on social media/frequently asked questions
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask

7
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
For information on the various student support systems and services available at Unisa
(e.g. student counselling, tutorial classes, language support), please consult the publication
my Studies @ Unisa that you received with your study material.

Please note that e-tutors (electronic tutors) have been appointed to assist students in achieving
their educational goals. These e-tutors are trained educators who will provide online
support and guidance on the myUnisa portal. Students are therefore urged to interact and
participate on the site as this has the dual function of providing tutorial guidance and an
opportunity to engage meaningfully with fellow students. Register for a myLife e-mail account
to make use of this added service.

5.1 Contact with fellow students

It is advisable to have contact with fellow students. One way of doing this is to form study
groups. The addresses of students in your area may be obtained from the following
department:

Directorate: Student Admissions and Registration

P.O. Box 392
UNISA
0003

5.2 Access myUnisa

If you have access to a computer that is linked to the Internet, you can quickly access
resources and information at the University. The myUnisa learning management system is
Unisas online campus that will help you to communicate with your lecturers, with other
students and with the administrative departments at Unisa all through the computer and
the Internet.

HOW TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE myUnisa WEBSITE

Start at the main Unisa website, http://www.unisa.ac.za, then click on the

Login to myUnisa link on the right-hand side of the screen. This should
take you to the myUnisa website.
You can also go there directly by typing in http://my.unisa.ac.za Start at the
main Unisa website, http://www.unisa.ac.za, then click on the Login to
myUnisa link on the right-hand side of the screen. This should take you to
the myUnisa website.
You can also go there directly by typing in http://my.unisa.ac.za

5.3 Downloading tutorial letters from myUnisa

All the Tutorial Letters are uploaded to myUnisa. You should, therefore, access this
material yourself whilst waiting for the printed version. Refer to myUnisa on a
regular basis and keep up to date.

8
 ENG1501/1012017

5.4 Discussion forums on myUnisa

Please consult your e-tutors if you have any questions about your study material. E-tutors
hold weekly online tutorials and should be your first port of call. Check the main ENG1501 site
for information on how to make contact with your e-tutor: this information will be found under
Additional resources.

6 STUDY PLAN
None

7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

There are no practicals for this module.

8 ASSESSMENT
8.1 Assessment criteria
Markers use the following guides when assessing your assignments, your essays in
particular. Carefully consult these guidelines before you start writing your assignments, and
again before you submit your work to ensure that you are on the right track.

Short questions are assessed in a similar way, although you need not write introductions or
conclusions for short questions. Remember that short questions must be answered in
paragraph form, and these paragraphs should be well-structured and coherent.

Please bear in mind that both content/organisation and form/expression are important
components in the assessment process.

Content includes both ideas (relevance, weight, originality) and their organisation
(introduction, body and conclusion; support of claims and interpretation; cohesion and
control of argument).

Expression refers to your use of English.

Please consult the Marking Grid below:

9
MARK OUT OF 50 FOR CONTENT/ORGANISATION:

SCORE LEVEL CRITERIA

1 Content: focused on assigned topic, thoroughly developed,
5038 EXCELLENT clearly demonstrating the skills required by the NQF criteria (e.g.
(100% TO VERY familiarity with recognising and recalling the subject matter;
76%) GOOD understanding it; application of this information; analysis, for
instance of relationships; evaluation, for example critiquing
different approaches).

Organisation: generating a piece of writing (such as an essay) with

ideas clearly stated, succinct, well-organised, logically sequenced,
cohesive, and well supported.
2 Content: fairly sound demonstration of skills, mostly relevant
3728 GOOD TO to topic, lacks detail.
(74%56%) AVERAGE
Organisation: loosely organised, logical but incomplete sequencing
and signposting.
3 Content: not enough substance or relevance, insufficient support
2716 FAIR TO for ideas.
(54%32%) SHAKY: AT
RISK Organisation: ideas confused or disconnected, not enough logical
sequencing or development, little signposting.
4 Content: not pertinent or not enough material to evaluate
150 (30% VERY SHAKY OR Plagiarised.
0%)
Organisation: does not communicate, no organisation or not
enough material to evaluate.

COMMON ERRORS IN ESSAY WRITING

ERROR REMEDY
Incomplete Check that all your sentences have finite verbs, and that they do not
sentences contain fragments of ideas and are not introduced by transitional
words such as which.
Wrong tense Make sure that you use the present tense whenever you are
writing about reality in literature.
Concord (subject- Singular subjects take singular verbs (which often end in -s); plural
verb agreement) subjects take plural verbs (which often do not end in -s).
Failure to present Make sure all the titles of books are underlined, or, if you are
titles correctly using a computer, that you use italics.
Punctuation errors All brackets and inverted commas must be closed once they have
been opened. Sentences must begin with capital letters and end
with full stops.
Spelling errors Look up all misspelt words in a dictionary and make sure you
learn the correct spelling.
Lack of logic Connect each idea to those around it using transition words and
phrases, such as in addition, on the other hand, but and then.
Re-telling the story Keep your attention on the topic of the essay and do not tell the
story of the novel, play, poem or short story to your marker.
Referencing errors Make sure that your essay complies with the rules for correct
referencing.

10
 ENG1501/1012017

Plagiarism declaration
It is crucial that you attach a signed plagiarism declaration form with each assignment you
submit to Unisa. This form is available as part of the addendum in this tutorial letter. You can
photocopy this form, or simply copy and paste the text in your assignment. You need not
furnish an electronic signature; typing your name and surname is sufficient to indicate that you
have read and understood the information contained in the form.

The submission of an assignment to the university, even if you do not include the signed
declaration form, implies that you have read the section on plagiarism, understand fully what it
means, and are aware of the penalties should you commit any form of plagiarism in your
assignment.

If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you will be penalised and your assignment will be marked
down.

Commentary and feedback on assignments

Markers of your written assignments will comment constructively on your work.

As soon as you receive the feedback tutorial letters on the assignments, please check
your answers against these. The assignments and the commentaries on these assignments
constitute an important part of your learning and should help you to be better prepared for
the next assignment and the examination.

Additional work set by your e-tutors will be discussed on the individual e-tutors site on
myUnisa.

8.2 Assessment plan

Assignments are seen as an integral part of the learning material for this module. As you
complete each assignment, study the prescribed texts, consult other resources, discuss the
work with fellow students or tutors or do research, you are actively engaged in learning.
Looking at the assessment criteria provided for each assignment will help you to understand
more clearly what is required of you.

In some cases, additional assessments might be available on the myUnisa site for your
module. For students attending tutorial sessions, tutors may also set additional tasks and
give feedback in class.

Your final mark for this module will consist of a year mark that will be calculated using the
marks for both written assignments, and the mark you achieve in a two-hour written
examination at the end of the semester.
8.3 Assignment numbers
8.3.1 General assignment numbers
Assignments are numbered consecutively per module, starting from 01. There are two
assignments for this module: Assignment 01 and Assignment 02. Both assignments must
be submitted.

11
8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers
Assignment 01 (first semester): 761414
Assignment 02 (first semester): 820326

Assignment 01 (second semester): 647939

Assignment 02 (second semester): 747779

8.4 Assignment due dates

Assignment 01:
2017 March 08 (first semester)
2017 August 18 (second semester)

Assignment 02:
2017 April 12 (first semester)
2017 September 15 (second semester)
8.5 Submission of assignments
You may submit written assignments either by post or electronically via myUnisa.
Assignments may not be submitted by fax or email. For detailed information and
requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see the brochure my Studies @ Unisa.
If you are posting your assignment, use the envelope provided.

To submit an assignment via myUnisa:

Go to myUnisa.
Log in using your student number and password.
Select the module.
Click on assignments in the left-hand menu.
Click on the assignment number you want to submit.
Follow the instructions on the screen.

If you are submitting your assignments electronically via myUnisa, please make sure t h a t
you use ONE of the following file formats:
PDF (a .pdf file)
MS Word (a .doc or .docx file)

This will enable your marker to comment on your assignment easily. Other file formats will not
be accepted.

8.6 The assignments

Assignment 01: Compulsory for examination admission

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE DIFFERENT ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS FOR

SEMESTERS 1 AND 2. MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER THE RIGHT QUESTION FOR THE
SEMESTER FOR WHICH YOU ARE REGISTERED.

12
 ENG1501/1012017

ASSIGNMENT 01: COMPULSORY FOR EXAMINATION

ADMISSION
DUE DATES:
First semester: 8 March 2017 Unique Number: 761414

Second semester: 18 August 2017 Unique Number: 647939

SEMESTER 1: ASSIGNMENT 01
Seasons Come to Pass and The Road to Mecca
Due date: 8 March 2017
Unique number: 761414

Answer BOTH questions.

Question 1

Seasons Come to Pass

Before attempting this question, read Chapter 2 of Introduction to English Literary Studies
(IELS). Now read the poem Stolen Rivers by Phillippa Yaa de Villiers on page 282 of Seasons
Come to Pass. Once you have read it carefully several times, answer the questions that follow.

Each question on the poem should be answered in paragraph form (1015 lines). Please
number your answers as per the questions. Remember to quote from the poem to substantiate
your answers.

1.1 Provide the denotation and possible connotations of the word agenda (line 2). Which of
these meanings are applicable to this poem? Explain.
(Note: Please use the following e-reserve to assist you with this question: Agenda. 2016.
Oxford English Dictionary Online. Viewed 28 April 2016, <
http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/3853?redirectedFrom=agenda&>.)
1.2 Identify at least two similes in the poem, and discuss their possible meanings. Then,
consider whether these similes are effective within the context of the poem as a whole.
1.3 Explain the imagery in lines 1620, and comment on its significance.
1.4 Both the tone and the pace of this poem change from line 10 onwards. Discuss this
statement by referring to the tone and pace of lines 19, and how this differs from the tone
and pace of lines 1024. Based on your answer, how would you say tone and pace
contribute to meaning in this poem?
1.5 Comment on the effectiveness of the title Stolen Rivers.

50 marks
AND

13
Question 2

The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard

In Act 1, when Elsa and Helen are discussing Katrina, Elsa says: Theres nothing sacred in a
marriage that abuses the woman (p. 23).

Using the above statement as a starting point, and referring to the section on Drama and Real
Life in Chapter Four of Introduction to English Literary Studies (IELS), write an essay of at least
five paragraphs in which you discuss Athol Fugards depiction of real life in the relationships
these three women have with their male partners in The Road to Mecca.

You must make references to relevant aspects of the play to support your answer.

You may want to include the following points in your discussion:

Fugards depiction of Katrinas experience of abuse in her marriage and her ways of
dealing with this
Fugards depiction of Elsas relationship with David and her way of dealing with this
Fugards depiction of Miss Helens marriage to the late Stephanus and her reflections on
the ways she dealt with it
50 marks

Note: It is not necessary to use secondary sources, but if you do you must cite them correctly.
If you fail to cite sources, or cite them incorrectly, you will be severely penalised.

TOTAL: 100 marks

SEMESTER 2: ASSIGNMENT 01
Seasons Come to Pass and The Road to Mecca
Due date: 18 August 2017
Unique number: 647939

Answer BOTH questions.

Question 1

Seasons Come to Pass

Before attempting this question, read Chapter 2 of Introduction to English Literary Studies
(IELS). Now read the poem Ingrid Jonker by Sally Bryer on page 244 of Seasons Come to
Pass. Once you have read it carefully several times, answer the questions that follow.

Each question on the poem should be answered in paragraph form (10 15 lines). Please
number your answers as per the questions. Remember to quote from the poem to substantiate
your answers.
1.1 Quote two similes from the poem, and explain their meaning. Then, indicate how these
similes contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

14
 ENG1501/1012017

1.2 As Seasons Come to Pass explains on page 244, Persephone (line 5) was a god from
Greek mythology. Conduct further research on the myth of Persephone, and then apply
that information to explain the meaning(s) of line 6.
(Note: Please use the following e-reserve to assist you with this question: Persephone.
2016. Encyclopdia Britannica Online. Viewed 28 April 2016, <http://0-
global.britannica.com.oasis.unisa.ac.za/topic/Persephone-Greek-goddess>.)
1.3 Line 13 reads: Your child dies, and lives on. Explain the possible double meaning of this
line.
(Hint: This line is an intertextual reference to a well-known poem by Ingrid Jonker, The
child who was shot dead by soldiers in Nyanga.)
1.4 Identify a recurring sound device in the poem, and account for its effect.
1.5 Write a paragraph in which you discuss the use of imagery in the second stanza of the
poem.
50 marks

AND

Question 2

The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard

We will consider the idea of confinement (which may be literal or figurative) as a

dramatic device that brings characters into view, allowing the audience or reader to
see more deeply into the nature of each character (IELS 177).

Based on the discussion of the idea of confinement in Chapter Four of Introduction to English
Literary Studies (IELS), write an essay of at least five paragraphs in which you discuss how the
confinement of time and space enables the audience or reader to see more deeply into the
nature of Elsas character during her visit to Miss Helen. You must make references to relevant
aspects of the play to support your answer.

You may want to include the following points in your discussion:

Elsas perceptions of the literal and figurative confinements of Nieu Bethesda
Elsas attitudes and disclosures within the enclosure and confined space of Miss Helens
home
The effects of the confinement of time on the dramatic tension between Elsa and Helen
50 marks

Note: It is not necessary to use secondary sources, but if you do, you must cite them
correctly. If you fail to cite sources, or cite them incorrectly, you will be severely penalised.

TOTAL: 100 marks

15
Assignment 02

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE DIFFERENT ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS FOR

SEMESTERS 1 AND 2. MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER THE RIGHT QUESTION FOR THE
SEMESTER FOR WHICH YOU ARE REGISTERED.

ASSIGNMENT 02
DUE DATES:
First semester: 12 April 2017 Unique Number: 820326

Second semester: 15 September 2017 Unique Number: 747779

SEMESTER 1: ASSIGNMENT 02
The Catcher in the Rye and When Rain Clouds Gather
Due date: 12 April 2017
Unique number: 820326

Answer BOTH questions.

Question 1

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

You should study Chapter 3 in the Introduction to English Literary Studies (IELS) as well as
Section 2 in Tutorial Letter 501 and then answer the question below.

In the study of literature we are interested not only in what happens but also how the story is
told. The Catcher in the Rye is more than simply an account of a period in the life of a young
protagonist. Rather, it is a novel that explores the very practices of storytelling through which a
character is constructed. Write an essay of at least five paragraphs in which you discuss how
(1) narrative point of view, (2) style, and (3) genre are relevant to characterisation in Salingers
novel.

Remember that it is insufficient to simply paraphrase ideas in Tutorial Letter 501 or the IELS.
You need to discuss the relevant ideas clearly and link them directly to particular moments,
concepts, and/or expressions in the novel.

Your essay should take the form of a close reading (see IELS 9698): this means that you must
integrate and discuss significant words and phrases from the novel to support your analysis. All
these quotes should be connected to the central issue of characterisation in the novel. You will
be assessed on your understanding of these concepts and the novel, as well as the writing and
critical thinking skills that your essay reveals.
50 marks

AND

16
 ENG1501/1012017

Question 2

When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head

Before you answer this question, read the chapter, The Novel in Introduction to English Literary
Studies (IELS) and work through the section on When Rain Clouds Gather in Tutorial Letter
501.

Many critics have suggested that Bessie Head portrays Gilbert as a messianic figure who goes
to Golema Mmidi to save the black population, while depicting the black characters as incapable
of looking after themselves and relying on Gilbert to save them and help them with major life
decisions:

The mention of the name of Gilbert had suddenly filled their hearts with hope, where
before had been a passive resignation. No one had any clear idea of why he had
headed home except that it seemed the most reasonable thing to do. But they were
all members of the cattle co-operative and greatly prided themselves on having
joined this new and strange association. Perhaps Gilbert, who had new ideas each
day, would tell them what to do with all the cattle they could no longer feed.

What has Gilbert to say about the deaths? one of the men prompted tentatively
(Head, 1567).

Using the extract above as a starting point, discuss the validity of the aforementioned statement
in an essay of at least five paragraphs. Your answer should refer to other instances in the novel
to support your argument.
50 marks

Note: It is not necessary to use secondary sources, but if you do, you must cite them
correctly. If you fail to cite sources, or cite them incorrectly, you will be severely penalised.

TOTAL: 100 marks

17
SEMESTER 2: ASSIGNMENT 02
The Catcher in the Rye and When Rain Clouds Gather
Due date: 15 September 2017
Unique number: 747779

Answer BOTH questions.

Question 1

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

You should study Chapter 3 in the Introduction to English Literary Studies (IELS) as well as
Section 2 in Tutorial Letter 501 and then answer the question below.

Write an essay of at least five paragraphs in which you show how Salinger uses (1) narrative
point of view, (2) setting, and (3) the symbolism of ducks and fish in the lagoon to represent
Holdens feelings of isolation and loss. Your essay should focus on Chapters 1216 of the
novel.
Things to remember:
In addition to engaging with the first-person narrative perspective in these chapters, your
discussion of narrative point of view should also include a consideration of Holdens
reliability as a narrator.
Your discussion of setting should consider how the physical spaces in which the events in
these chapters take place reflect Holdens state of mind. See pages 110118 (IELS) for
more information on setting. You may also consider the significance of the temporal
setting.
Remember that it is insufficient to simply paraphrase ideas in Tutorial Letter 501 or the IELS.
You need to discuss the relevant ideas clearly and link them directly to particular moments,
concepts, and/or expressions in the novel.

Your essay should take the form of a close reading (see IELS 9698): this means that you must
integrate and discuss significant words and phrases from the novel to support your analysis. All
these quotes should be connected to the central issue of Holdens feelings of isolation and loss.
You will be assessed on your understanding of these concepts and the novel, as well as the
writing and critical thinking skills that your essay reveals.
50 marks
AND
Question 2

When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head

Before you answer this question, read the chapter, The Novel in Introduction to English Literary
Studies (IELS) and work through the section on When Rain Clouds Gather in Tutorial Letter
501.

18
 ENG1501/1012017

Read pages 110113 in Introduction to English Literary Studies (IELS). As this section
explains, although When Rain Clouds Gather deals with Makhayas suffering and trauma, it is
also about the healing that occurs when he arrives in Golema Mmidi. In an essay of at least five
paragraphs, describe the kind of suffering Makhaya endures in South Africa, and reflect on the
role other characters play in Makhayas healing.

In your answer, you should mention specific characters and how they assist Makhaya in his
process of recovery. Please do not rewrite the plot of the novel. Rather, focus on how the
themes of suffering and healing are explored through these characters.

50 marks

Note: It is not necessary to use secondary sources, but if you do, you must cite them
correctly. If you fail to cite sources, or cite them incorrectly, you will be severely penalised.

TOTAL: 100 marks

8.7 Other assessment methods

None.
8.8 The examination
For general information and requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see the
brochure my Studies @ Unisa which you received with your study material.

Examination admission
It is compulsory to submit Assignment 01 before 8 March 2017 (first semester) or by 30
August 2017 (second semester). This obligation is a university requirement to prove that
you are an active student. If you do not submit this assignment, you will NOT be
allowed to write the examination. You must also submit Assignment 02 by the due
date.

Assignment marks will count towards your final mark. Thus for this module, your
assignments will count as 25% of the final mark, and the remaining 75% will reflect your
performance in the examination. This means that there is a strong incentive for you to
submit both assignments.

Examination period
This module is offered in a semester period of fifteen weeks. This means that if you are
registered for the first semester, you will write the examination in May/June 2017 and the
supplementary examination will be written in October/November 2017. If you are registered
for the second semester you will write the examination in October/November 2017 and the
supplementary examination will be written in May/June 2018.

19
During the semester, the Examination Section will provide you with information regarding the
examination in general, including examination venues, examination dates and examination
times.

Examination paper
This module has a TWO-HOUR examination.

Previous examination papers

No examination papers will be available on myUnisa.

Information on the examination

To help you in your preparation for the examination, a tutorial letter will be sent to you and
posted on myUnisa under Official Study Material. This will explain the format of the
examination paper and set out clearly what material you have to study for examination
purposes.

For general information and requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see the
brochure my Studies @ Unisa which you received with your study material.

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The my Studies @ Unisa brochure contains an AZ guide of frequently asked questions
and the most relevant study information.

10 SOURCES CONSULTED
The prescribed texts for this module.

11 IN CLOSING
We hope that you will enjoy this module and we wish you every success in your studies.

Best wishes
The ENG1501 Teaching Team

Although every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders, this has not always been
possible. Should any infringement have occurred, the publisher apologises and undertakes to
amend the omission in the event of a reprint.

12 ADDENDUM
PLAGIARISM: Please read this very important information
While you are strongly encouraged to become familiar with a broad range of ideas, be very
vigilant regarding plagiarism.
Any idea or argument that you incorporate in your essays, if drawn from elsewhere, must be
clearly attributed to its source (and this, very importantly, includes internet sources).

20
 ENG1501/1012017

Remember that plagiarism is a serious offence and, while often committed inadvertently,
may result in very low marks being awarded for submitted work.

Please read the detailed explanation below very carefully:

If you copy something out of a book, an article, a website or another document

without acknowledging its source, and pass it off as your own, that is plagiarism. In
effect, you are stealing something that belongs to someone else, dishonestly
pretending that it is your own.
If you paraphrase material (i.e. change the wording slightly) or use ideas or a line of
argument without acknowledging the original source, this also constitutes
plagiarism and the same severe penalty will apply.
Although students may work together when preparing assignments, each student must
write and submit his or her own individual assignment. It is unacceptable for
students to submit identical assignments on the basis that they worked
together. This is a form of plagiarism and such assignments will not be marked.
It is not enough to cite sources in the bibliography at the end of your essay. You
must refer to these in the body of your essay, in brackets, next to every statement
that is based on borrowed formulations or ideas.
You are advised to study the Students Disciplinary Code and University Policy on
Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism. These are available on myUnisa.
The declaration which appears on the last page of this tutorial letter must be attached to
every assignment that you submit while you are a student in the Department of
English Studies.
Even if you do not include the signed declaration form, submitting an assignment to
the university suggests that you understand and comply with the policies regarding
plagiarism.

How to cite sources in your assignments (Harvard style)

For a detailed explanation of how to cite your sources correctly, please consult Tutorial Letter
301, specifically pages 1831.

Books
When using secondary sources in the form of books in the text of your assignment, use
quotations marks if you quote the direct words of another author, for example:

The direct words of another author (Surname of author, year of publication of the book: page
number on which you found this information)

You can incorporate the authors surname into your sentence as well, for example:

As suggested by Initials and Surname of author (year of publication: page number where you
found this information)

If you quote from another author but rephrase or paraphrase his/her ideas, you do not need
use quotation marks. Instead, you only include (Surname of author, year of publication of the
book: page number on which you found this information) in brackets.

21
In your bibliography at the end of your assignment, you should include all the details of the
secondary source to enable your reader to find this text easily. For example:

Salinger, J.D. 2010. The Catcher in the Rye. London: Penguin.

Surname of author, Initials. Year of publication. Title of text. Place of publication: Publishing
house.

Journal articles
For journal articles, follow the same style as for books in the text of your assignment; the
information provided in the bibliography at the end of your assignment differs slightly, however.
For example:

Fuentes, A. 2006. The Humanity of Animals and the Animality of Humans: A View from
Biological Anthropology Inspired by J. M. Coetzees Elizabeth Costello. American
Anthropologist 108 (1): 124134.
Surname of author, Initials. Year of publication. Title of article. Title of journal Volume
(Number): Page numbers on which the article appears.

Websites
While you are allowed to use reputable internet sources, please note that Sparknotes,
Wikipedia, eNotes, Shmoop and the like are not academic resources and are not designed for
use by university students. If you do consult an internet source, use the same style of author
name and date in the text of the assignment. If there is no clear author, use the organisational
author. For example, (University of South Africa, 2015) and in the bibliography:

University of South Africa. 2015. Research flagship projects. Viewed 26 April 2016,
<http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=27089>.
Organisational author. Year of publication. Title of specific section. Viewed Day Month Year,
<website URL>.

Further examples
The following are examples of the type of reference and quotations you are expected to
provide. The ellipsis () indicates where you would expand on that line of thought.
I intend to pursue the line of inquiry opened by J. Smith (1998:6476) regarding
Jane Austens attempt to ... and I should like to offer further arguments in support of
Smiths suggestion...
As suggested by J. Smith (1998:64), it would be fruitful to explore further Jane Austens
attempt to subvert societys expectations. Therefore, I propose to investigate this
aspect.
In approaching the assignment question, I took as my starting point Sarah Werners
comment: To insist on the primacy of character is to miss the opportunity to contest
the idea of Shakespeares universal truth (2001:36). My argument partly supports
and partly counters hers.

22
 ENG1501/1012017

DECLARATION REGARDING PLAGIARISM

DECLARATION

Name and student number: .

Assignment topic:

I declare that this assignment is my own original work. Where secondary material
has been used (either from a printed source or from the Internet), this has been carefully
acknowledged and referenced in accordance with departmental requirements. I
understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the departments policy in this
regard. I have not allowed anyone else to borrow or copy my work.

Signature:

Date: .

DECLARATION REGARDING PLAGIARISM

DECLARATION

Name and student number: .

Assignment topic:

I declare that this assignment is my own original work. Where secondary material
has been used (either from a printed source or from the Internet), this has been carefully
acknowledged and referenced in accordance with departmental requirements. I
understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the departments policy in this
regard. I have not allowed anyone else to borrow or copy my work.

Signature:

Date: .

23