Explore literature through the ages.

We've hand-picked a variety of English literature courses for you to choose from. Whether you are interested in twenty-first-century literature and culture, the tales of Babylon, or historical topics such as race and gender, we have a broad selection of literature that’s sure to suit a wide variety of tastes and interests.  

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You might be a newcomer to the world of literature and the great works of authors past and present, or perhaps you consider yourself somewhat of an expert. Whichever group you fall into, our friendly classes are the perfect environment to develop your skills and knowledge. Building on a curiosity or passion is what we do best! 

Enrol on a literature class near you  

Whether you prefer online learning from the comfort of your own home, or you want to attend an in-person class in your local community, we have a huge amount of flexibility to suit how you learn best. This means that you can pick the environment that’s right for you, giving you that piece of mind that you can learn in a place that you feel comfortable with. 

The support you’ll receive 

Our dedicated tutors will guide you through the different genres and time periods in English literature, helping you to develop your critical reading and analysis skills - perfect if you're a beginner.   

Our learning experience is one of the things that sets us apart, with many of our learners going on to achieve incredible things. You’ll learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you, with a friendly supportive tutor on hand to answer any questions you might have.  

Start your journey today and learn all about the works of Agatha Christie, Shakespeare and many, many more.  

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Care 2: Find Out About The Weird and Wonderful World of Wilkie Collins

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for, find out about Wilkie Collins and learn about aspects of his life from the comfort of your own home. This online course is packed with discussions and exploration of Wilkie Collins and his work.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 08/05/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00011039
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Literature: Reading and Enjoying Great Writers

Calling all readers who have always wanted to read classic literary fiction, but don’t have time. We will probe, praise, parody, and generally know a lot more about great books. The course will remove the fear factor for participants who may have been hesitant to attack thick volumes of great literature. The sessions will enable students to decide what they like, and what writers they are less in tune with. Sessions that will be fun, intriguing, and informative. We will explore fascinating questions, such as: • What is Realism? • What is Magical Realism? • Why did Mantel win two Booker prizes? This course welcomes all those who are curious and enjoy reading.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 15/05/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Vanwy Arif
Course code:
Q00014369
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Care 2 Find Out About Before Bridgerton : The World of Georgette Heyer and Her Legacy

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for. All romantic fiction owers a debt to Georgette Hayer, join me in the comfort of your own home to find out about her life, her work and her influences.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 29/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014598
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Literature: Appreciation - Rebellion, Defiance and Breaking Out

In this course we will be celebrating, criticising and discussing together writings which either portray rebellion and defiance, or which by their very style overturn the rules. From the most modern writers today such as Sarah Moss and Zoe Gilbert through to Shakespeare’s plays and back in time to legendary figures described by the earliest writers in English, questions arise around rebels, their actions – and how authors perceive them: what situations drive personal or political acts of rebellion? What is an author’s intention in presenting disobedience or unrest? How do writers portray to us the act of rebellion or the character of a rebel? Together, we shall be seeking answers.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/05/2024 -
Mon 01/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Newcastle Quaker Meeting House (Newcastl
West Avenue
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 4ES
Tutor:
Clare Jackson
Course code:
Q00014664
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Literature: The Literature of the Harlem Renaissance - An Introduction

The Harlem Renaissance was a flowering of Black American culture running from around the period 1919-1939 in Harlem and other Black communities. Its influence continues today and is global. Whilst all aspects of the arts and intellectual activity flourished during this period, we will focus on its literature and the debates that arose from it. How were Black people to portray themselves after centuries of misrepresentation? What purpose was literature to fulfil for Black communities? How much were the writings of the Harlem Renaissance to be evaluated as a separate movement? How much were they to be integrated with the literature of the dominant White culture? Together, we will be discussing these and other aspects of this fascinating and radical movement.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 22/05/2024 -
Wed 12/06/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Clare Jackson
Course code:
Q00014844
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Literature: Stella Gibbons' 'Cold Comfort Farm'

Our chance to enjoy a novel that is set in the future, pays homage to Hardy and Lawrence, features the bossiest heroine in literature and the gloomiest rural family! It has been described as the funniest book ever written. Stella Gibbons' 'Cold Comfort Farm' is a rarity, a feel-good novel about gloom and misery. 'Something nasty in the woodshed' results only in the sunniest of happy endings, brought about by Flora Poste, an incorrigibly efficient heroine. Join this short course for the long, lovely days of midsummer.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 03/06/2024 -
Mon 24/06/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
The Grange Community Centre (Radcliffe-o
Vicarage Lane
Radcliffe-on-Trent
NG12 2FB
Tutor:
Judith Hedley
Course code:
Q00014832
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Literature: Ancient Greek tragedy: Sophocles’ Theban plays

Ancient Greek tragedies have held an enduring interest for audiences and readers since their first performances in Athens in the 5th century BCE. Performed with both ancient and modern settings, revised and adapted, they retain their relevance to human action and understanding. In this course we will study three linked plays by Sophocles that focus on the story of Oedipus, king of Thebes, and his efforts to avoid fate: Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone. We will consider plots, themes, characters and their continuing popularity with audiences. All texts will be studied in English translations: no previous knowledge is assumed.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/06/2024 -
Tue 09/07/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kim Shahabudin
Course code:
Q00013754
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Literature: A Short Introduction to Feminist Writing

Take up an opportunity to sign up for a short course on a general introduction to feminist literature. Sessions will look in detail at female authors. We will examine what is feminist writing, and its seminal characteristics, through discussion and lecture. And also examine and learn about its contribution to literature and the relevance of their work today.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Kate Delamere
Course code:
Q00015274
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £34.50

Literature: Rediscovering Women Authors: Two comic novels by Stella Gibbons

In this course we will read and discuss two books by Stella Gibbons, an author whose reputation as a comic writer rests on one well-known satire of popular novels about rural life: Cold Comfort Farm (1932). In fact she wrote more than 30 novels, though most have been out of print until recently. We will be focusing on two of Gibbons’ comic novels with contrasting settings: rural Sussex in Cold Comfort Farm and suburban Hampstead in Westwood (1946). Through friendly and accessible discussions of both texts, we will learn more about their stories, characters and themes, and consider the nature of their author’s distinctive comic voice.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/06/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kim Shahabudin
Course code:
Q00013753
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Literature: Nature Writers

In this one-day session, we'll delve into the captivating realm of nature writing, exploring the works of various poets and prose writers who have beautifully depicted the natural world. Through a selection of diverse examples, participants will uncover the intricate tapestry of human-nature connections, from tranquil landscapes to the sublime forces of wilderness. Engaging discussions and analyses will highlight the unique perspectives and styles of writers who have sought to capture the essence of nature through their craft. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or simply curious about the power of literary expression, join us for a day of inspiration and discovery amidst the wonders of the natural world

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Norwich Millennium Library (Norwich)
Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1AW
Tutor:
James Clarke
Course code:
Q00015037
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00