Literature-in-English, Functions, Human Experience and Society for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Literature-in-English
Curriculum Theme: Fundamentals of Literature-in-English
Focal competence: Explaining the meaning of Literature-in-English
Key competencies/values: Collaboration; ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies
Skills:

• define Literature
• discuss Literature-in-English as a subject

Previous Lesson: Plot
Topic: Introduction To Literature-In-English
Subject Matter: meaning of literature-in-English, functions of literature, literature and human experience, literature and society

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• define Literature;
• discuss Literature-in-English as a subject;
• identify the functions of Literature.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Literature-in-English textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Literary texts (e.g., excerpts from novels, poems, plays)
• Digital devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops)
• Internet access
• Whiteboard or chalkboard
• Markers or chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it lays the foundational understanding for the entire Literature-in-English curriculum. It helps students appreciate literature not just as a collection of stories, but as a powerful tool for understanding human experiences, cultural values, and societal dynamics. This foundational knowledge is crucial for deeper engagement with literary texts throughout their senior secondary education.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of reading and comprehending simple English texts, and a general awareness of different forms of writing such as stories and poems from their Junior Secondary education.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Introduction To Literature-In-English

Meaning of Literature-in-English

Literature-in-English refers to written works, such as novels, poems, and plays, that use language imaginatively to represent human experiences, ideas, and emotions. It is a creative expression of human thought and feeling, often reflecting the culture and society from which it originates. These works are typically studied for their artistic merit, cultural significance, and insights into the human condition.

Literature-in-English as a Subject

As an academic subject, Literature-in-English involves the systematic study and analysis of literary texts written in the English language. This study goes beyond mere reading to include understanding themes, characters, plot, setting, literary devices (such as metaphor, simile, symbolism), and the historical and cultural contexts of the works. It aims to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and appreciation for artistic expression through language.

Functions of Literature

Literature serves several important functions in human experience and society:

1. Entertainment: Literature provides enjoyment and pleasure, allowing readers to escape into different worlds, experience diverse emotions, and be captivated by compelling narratives.
2. Education: It teaches readers about different cultures, historical periods, human nature, and various aspects of life. It expands knowledge and understanding of the world.
3. Cultural Preservation: Literature is a repository of cultural values, traditions, beliefs, and histories. It preserves and transmits these elements from one generation to another, helping to maintain cultural identity.
4. Social Reflection and Commentary: Literary works often mirror society, reflecting its issues, challenges, triumphs, and aspirations. They can serve as a critique of societal norms, political systems, or human behaviour, prompting readers to reflect and question.
5. Value Formation: By presenting characters facing moral dilemmas, exploring ethical questions, and depicting consequences of actions, literature helps in shaping readers’ values, empathy, and moral compass.
6. Emotional Expression and Catharsis: Literature provides a medium for authors to express complex emotions and for readers to experience and process their own feelings, offering a sense of catharsis or emotional release.
7. Development of Language Skills: Engaging with literature enhances vocabulary, improves reading comprehension, and refines writing and communication skills.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Group Work, Question and Answer, Explanation, Guided Practice, Internet Search

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elicitation/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by “literature” or “stories” they have read. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Introduction to Literature-in-English.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Activating prior knowledge

Step 2: Meaning of Literature-in-English

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of Literature-in-English, emphasizing its imaginative use of language to represent human experiences, ideas, and emotions, using simple examples like proverbs or folktales.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and contribute examples of imaginative language.

Learning Point: Meaning of Literature

Step 3: Literature-in-English as a Subject

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Clarification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses Literature-in-English as an academic subject, explaining what students will learn and how it differs from simply reading stories. The teacher highlights the analytical and critical thinking skills involved.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and discuss their expectations and understanding of the subject.

Learning Point: Literature as a subject

Step 4: Introduction to Functions of Literature

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to use common literary texts (e.g., a short poem, a fable, an excerpt from a Nigerian novel) to discuss what they think are the purposes or functions of literature. The teacher prompts them with questions like “What did you learn from this story?” or “How did this story make you feel?”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils examine the provided texts and discuss their observations on the functions of literature.

Learning Point: Initial functions identification

Step 5: Group Internet Research on Functions

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitation/ICT Integration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and guides them to use their digital devices to search the internet for the various functions of literature. The teacher provides keywords like “importance of literature” or “roles of literature in society.”

Pupils’ Activity: In groups, pupils search the internet, identify different functions, and prepare to discuss their findings.

Learning Point: Researching literature functions

Step 6: Group Presentation and Consolidation of Functions

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Presentation/Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: Each group briefly presents their findings on the functions of literature. The teacher then consolidates all points, elaborating on key functions like entertainment, education, cultural preservation, social reflection, and value formation, ensuring all points from the content scope are covered.

Pupils’ Activity: Groups present their findings, and all pupils listen and contribute to the consolidated list of functions.

Learning Point: Key functions of literature

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is Literature-in-English?
2. How would you describe Literature-in-English as a subject?
3. Mention three functions of literature.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding literature concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning, subject aspect, and functions of Literature-in-English into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of literature in understanding ourselves and the world around us. The teacher encourages students to read widely.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main ideas.

Learning Point: Literature’s overall importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. In your own words, explain what Literature-in-English means.
2. Discuss how literature can help in preserving the culture of a society, giving one example.
3. Identify and explain two ways literature contributes to your personal growth.

Lesson Keywords

• Literature – Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
• Literature-in-English – The study of imaginative written works in the English language.
• Human Experience – The feelings, thoughts, and events that make up a person’s life.
• Society – The community of people living in a particular country or region and having shared customs, laws, and organizations.
• Functions – The natural purpose or role of a person or thing.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to find and share examples of Nigerian literary works that demonstrate each function discussed. For students needing more support, provide simpler literary excerpts or visual aids to illustrate the concepts of literature and its functions, and pair them with stronger students during group activities.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search for “introduction to literature in english SS1”