English Literature (Level 3)

English Literature (Level 3)

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.

When you have completed the programme, your tutor needs to verify that you have worked through all parts of any Workbooks, Activities and Exercises successfully.

100% of the final mark is made up of an online multiple choice exam.

Upon verification of the activities, exercises and assignments, you will be awarded your diploma by ABC Awards as confirmation that your written work has met all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the programme.

Course Fees

Our aim is to provide you with the best deal available, therefore any registration fee, certification fee and full tutor support is included in the course price for you. The enrolment fee for the Level 3 Diploma in English Literature home study course is £456.25, though for a limited time we are offering you the opportunity to pay only £365 which is a 20% discount if you enrol online and pay in full.

You can also opt for our Easy Payment Plan and enrol online today by paying a deposit of £91.25 and then 4 equal payments of £91.25 per month. The first instalment is paid about a month after you receive your course.