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Programme Type
Field of Study

Programme Title:

Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies and Creative Writing (BALC)

Offering Department

Department of Languages and Literature

Programme Description

The MUCE Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies and Creative Writing programme strives to foster a comprehensive awareness and appreciation for literary traditions as well as contemporary creative writing practices. This programme, which is based on a global rich cultural and literary heritage, aims at promoting critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills via rigorous interaction with numerous literary genres and historical periods. Students will be able to read and critique literary texts while comprehending their larger social, cultural, and historical contexts. Furthermore, the programme promotes original creative expression by encouraging students to create their own literary works. Aligned with the University of Dar es Salaam's objective to foster intellectual and creative quality, this degree aims at preparing graduates for entrepreneurship and employment in academia, writing, publishing, and literary, creative and cultural sectors, contributing to the development of Tanzania, African and global literary landscapes.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Knowledge: The graduate of BALC will have developed:

  1. Literary comprehension

  2. Literary theory and criticism

  3. Cultural and historical contexts

  4. Specialised literary techniques

  5. Modern and digital literature

Skills: The graduate of BALC will have developed:

  1. Creative writing adeptness

  2. Critical analysis and research

  3. Literary creation and adaptation

  4. Editing and publishing

Competences: The graduate of BALC will have developed:

  1. Analytical competence

  2. Creative competence

  3. Interdisciplinary competence

  4. Professional competence

  5. Independent research competence

Programme Structure 

A BALC Student shall register a total of 36 core courses covering 432 credits. The student shall also select one course in each year of study from among the five elective courses. All courses are detailed in the Programme document

Assessment 

The programme assessment will be based on combining continuous assessment and final examination. For theory courses, coursework will carry 40% and final examination will carry 60% of the total marks while for method courses, coursework and final examination both will carry 50% each. Practical training will also be assessed following the UDSM practical training regulations and procedures (2023). Assessment of the final degree will follow University guidelines.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Direct Entry: Two principal passes in the following combinations: i) Social Sciences (History, Geography); ii) Languages (Kiswahili, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, English Language, Literature in English, French, Chinese, Academic Communication); iii) Arts (Fine Art, Theatre Arts, Music, Textile and Garment Construction); iv) Religious Studies (Divinity and Islamic knowledge) at Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE).

Equivalent qualifications: A Diploma in Education, with an average of “B+’’ or a minimum GPA of 3.5, that UDSM Senate recognises.

Duration