English Literature Diploma

English Literature Diploma

Module 1 - Introduction

This Unit is the introduction to the short story. It introduces the genre of the 'short story' its history and features. The unit considers the short story and its broader perspectives and enables the student to have a definitive framework in which to read and comprehend short stories.

The short story comes in many forms, shapes and sizes and this module considers the various structures. The unit offers a guide for the student on how to study the short story.

The third section of this introduction examines the elements of plot, character, setting and style from the reader's perspective and also the authorial intention.

Having considered the make-up of the short story the unit applies them to a measured reading of Charles Dickens' short story The Poor Relation. This is followed by a graded assessment to test the student's knowledge.

Module 2 - Arnold Bennett

Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 in Hanley, Staffordshire, Arnold was the eldest child of a pawnbroker who had improved himself and become a solicitor. His father wanted him to follow his example and qualify as a solicitor but Arnold failed a crucial university entrance examination. He became a solicitor's clerk, at first in his father's office and, from 1889, in London.

Bennett was a prolific author, who produced thirty novels, he is especially regarded for those set in the Staffordshire scenery of his childhood, the Potteries. In his earlier career, Arnold Bennett was also a respected playwright, his interest in the theatre following on from his work as a critic.

Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War the head of the War Propaganda Board invited twenty-five major British authors to discuss the best ways to promote British interests during the period of the war. Bennett was one of the authors alongside, Arthur Conan Doyle, Thomas Hardy, H G Wells and Rudyard Kipling. Bennett became a critical figure in this covert organisation known as (WPB). He made a huge contribution to the propaganda effort during the war.

For the purpose of Module Two the student will focus on a short story by Bennett entitled News of the Engagement which illustrates his style and range.

Module 3 - The Novel: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

This module answers the question 'What is a Novel'? It provides the student with an overview of the broad categories that a novel can embrace.

This module introduces the student to both Mary Shelley and the Gothic genre. Gothic literature has many characteristics and these are examined in relation to Frankenstein.

Far too often students think that Frankenstein is the name of the monster but in fact it is the name of his creator and this module looks in depth at the plot, the characters in the novel, and the themes that the novel addresses.

This module places demands on the student to consider a large amount of relevant material. However it is a fascinating module and one which will deepen the student's literary knowledge.

Module 4 - Poetry: Shakespeare's Sonnets

It is impossible for a student of literature to ignore either Shakespeare or poetry therefore Module 4 looks at the fundamental specifics to understanding poetry and poetic devices.

The module moves on to a biography of Shakespeare and the theatres and audience of his time.

The study material for this module is the Sonnet specifically Sonnet 27 and Sonnet 130 and with the application of the poetic knowledge the student has acquired an in depth study of these two works is comprehensible.

Module 5 - Poetry: Pre 1914

Robert Browning was born 7 May 1812 and died 12 December 1889. He had a brilliant mind and was writing poems and reading Homer at a very young age. He is as famous for his writing as for his love affair with Elizabeth Barrett also a famous poet.

Applying the skills and understanding acquired in Module 4 the student will consider in detail two dramatic monologues by Robert Browning.

Module 6 - Poetry: Post 1914

The module moves on to look at two post 1914 poets and examples of their work.

Robert Frost was one of the leading twentieth century American poets. He won the Pulitzer Prize four times and was fundamentally a pastoral poet linked to New England. The poem in Module Six is deeply philosophical and goes beyond American ideology creating universal themes which are applicable to the twenty first century reader.

Tony Harrison by contrast to Frost is British and is the leading film and theatre poet of our times. His work is embedded with family values and the emotions that are a part of all families regardless of social class.

Again the knowledge the student has learned will be applied to the study of these celebrated poets and the fine examples of their work.

Module 7 - First World War Poetry and Poetry From Other Cultures

Bringing together all the skills the student now has Module Seven looks at a wide range of poetry which contains political and social messages.

Commencing with World War I poetry and its significance in retaliating against World War I propaganda of the glories of war Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon's poetry is indicative of the power of the poetic medium.

The second part of this module moves onto poetry from other cultures. Breaking down the meaning of culture in the modern world and the manner in which poets deal with feelings of exclusion, alienation and prejudice.

Module 8 - Drama

What is drama? The student will become familiar with the various dramatic techniques that abound in dramatic texts.

Module Eight considers such techniques in relation to Act I of Hobson's Choice. What was the authorial intention? What did Harold Brighouse intend to convey in this seemingly simple play and how does he set out to achieve his aims?

Module 9 - Hobson's Choice

This Module continues to explore Hobson's Choice looking closely at Act II. The many themes which are incorporated in the play are examined for their deeper meaning.

Module 10 - Hobson's Choice

Finishing with Acts III to VI the student will examine the manner in which themes and ideas are conveyed to the audience through the means of drama. How effectively these are achieved and how deep and enduring such ideas can be for the audience.

This module conveys the significance of social issues within drama and the implications of topics such as gender, social class, and marriage.

Summary

This module is an introduction to a selection of genres. It is an excellent starting point for the student who wishes to advance their knowledge and take up wider reading with a view to progressing to one of our higher level courses.

Materials can be studied online or students have the option to print the documents once, there is also the option to have the materials delivered for an additional charge.