Autumn

Literary Heroines

Women are often hidden under layers of social convention or appear in a hero's shadow. So what makes a heroine, and how does she find her voice and virtues when literature is dominated by her male counterpart? Does she appear as an idealistic role model, or merely a foil for masculine virtues? Where does the dark and dangerous anti-heroine fit in? We will consider a variety of heroines to see how well women and heroic values fit together.

Helen Bullock BA MA

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 08 October 2012 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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Literary York: Reading the City

Cancelled

York is a city with a rich literary heritage. To celebrate 800 years of the city’s official status we will be looking at books set in York, or written by local authors, including CJ Sansom’s historical York and Kate Atkinson’s 20th century city. The only necessary qualification is a willingness to read and discuss the novels as we see the city come to life in text, both historically and through the eyes of authors who have resided in York.

Rob O’Connor BA MA CTLLS

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 09 October 2012 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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An Introduction to Samuel Beckett

Cancelled

This course will offer a stimulating introduction to Samuel Beckett. We will move from the early Beckett, who was primarily a fiction-writer, by exploring the hilarious and strange novels Murphy and Watt, to the later Beckett, arguably the most important playwright of the 20th century. Through a mixture of readings and screenings of the Beckett on Film series, the course will offer approaches to Beckett’s most famous works, including Waiting for Godot, but also to his oeuvre as a whole.

Katherine Ebury BA MA

• Day: Wednesday
• Start date: 10 October 2012 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Future Worlds: Examining Science Fiction Literature

Cancelled

What makes science fiction such an exciting genre? On this course we will examine a range of classic and contemporary science fiction novels, discussing how the genre is uniquely placed to explore issues of technology, society and the human condition. Additionally, we will examine how science fiction literature has recently become part of popular mainstream culture. The books discussed will include this year’s winners of the Arthur C Clarke and Nebula awards.

Rob O’Connor BA MA CTLLS

• Day: Thursday
• Start date: 11 October 2012 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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A Day with Lord Byron

Byron was not only one of the greatest Romantic poets, but also a delightful scribbler of light verse and intriguing and entertaining letters. This course takes an appreciative look at his life and times, his letters to friend and foe, and the exhilarating poetry. No previous knowledge required but the desire to be both revolutionary and romantic in one day is an asset.

Helen Bullock BA MA

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 1 December 2012 
• Time: 9.30am-4.30 
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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Christmas Past: Christmas Tradition in English literature

Get in the festive mood with this day workshop, which takes you through the history of the English Christmas. Moving from medieval lyrics through to the Victorian celebration of all things yuletide, this course examines a range of Christmas customs through ages, as represented in contemporary literature. Through a variety of literary works and extracts, this course offers a glimpse of Christmas past and how it shaped the Christmas present.

Alice Bennett BA MA MPhil

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 15 December 2012 
• Time: 9.30am-4.30 
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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Spring

Not Just the Booker Prize: Contemporary Fiction in 2012

The Booker Prize is the most acclaimed literary award in the UK. But does the winner represent the best fiction title of the year? We will read, discuss and judge for ourselves the winners of six literary prizes and the bestselling fiction title of 2012 in an attempt to answer this question. The only necessary qualification is a willingness to read and discuss the seven novels. Details of the set novels will be made available from October 2012 onwards.

Rob O’Connor BA MA CTLLS

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 21 January 2013 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Reading Modern and Contemporary Poetry

CANCELLED

This course will provide a range of exciting possibilities for you to expand your knowledge of 20th century poetry, from WB Yeats to John Ashberry. We will discuss both the work of major canonical figures and lesser known ones, and also offer opportunities for you to talk about your own favourite poets. Our focus will be as international and inclusive as possible. The course will also introduce you to contemporary debates surrounding poetry, including questions of accessibility and relevance.

Nasser Hussain

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 21 January 2013 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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The Sherlock Factor

COURSE CANCELLED

The recent television adaptation of Sherlock Holmes revealed how intriguing the great detective is. Suitable both for those who know the tales well and those for whom the television series was a revelation, this course goes back to the original adventures to look at the characters of Holmes, Watson and the Baker Street entourage. We will consider Holmes’ competitors in early detective fiction, and the cultural background of turn of the century Britain which produced him.

Helen Bullock BA MA

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 21 January 2013 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Re-thinking the Inter-war Novel

In this course we will reconsider some classic novels of the 1930s and 40s, such as Rebecca (1938) and Cold Comfort Farm (1932), alongside lesser-known texts like Mrs Miniver (1939). These novels are frequently considered frivolous and lightweight; yet while they undoubtedly delight and entertain, they also engage in fascinating ways with the pressing concerns of their day. Through a series of illustrated talks and guided discussions, we will uncover how these texts grapple with their socio-cultural contexts.

Sarah Shaw BA MA

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 22 January 2013 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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An Introduction to The Canterbury Tales

CANCELLED

This course offers an accessible introduction to one of the great works of English literature and its author. Sessions will tackle different tales, identifying the literary genres to which they belong and how Chaucer exploits these. The course will address Chaucer’s sources for each tale, as well as the cultural and historical contexts. The structure of the work as a whole will also be considered, as will the literary legacy and cultural influence of The Canterbury Tales.

Alice Bennett BA MA MPhil

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 22 January 2013 
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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The History of Literature

This course centres on bringing classic texts and authors to life: from the Brontës to Joyce and beyond. In weekly sessions we will discuss the fascinating history of literature and literary movements, focusing on a range of texts, incorporating poetry and prose. Each text is introduced with a mini-lecture, covering historical background, literary aims and authorial life, before moving on to an open group discussion. Ideal for writers, readers and the naturally inquisitive.

Dannie Hancock BA MA

• Day: Thursday
• Start date: 24 January 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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The Adventures of Robin Hood

This course will examine the history of one of England’s most enduring legends, Robin Hood. Beginning with the nature of medieval English outlawry and the historical context of the story, we will consider how and why Robin Hood has become a folk hero. The course will look at the retelling and reworking of the legend, investigating the ways in which it has been used and why it remains so popular today.

Alice Bennett BA MA MPhil

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 26 January 2013
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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A Day with William Wordsworth

Wordsworth, often seen as a poet of rural nature, is as much a poet of human nature and ‘a man speaking to men’. Students will have the opportunity to read the poet's work and discuss his developing relationship with both the world of nature and men. We will attempt to relate Wordsworth's philosophical ideas to our own world and see where they offer comfort, enlightenment and pleasure: a spring tonic!

Helen Bullock BA MA

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 2 March 2013
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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Summer

Is Book Best? Examining Novels Adapted to Film

Cancelled

It is often argued that books are superior to their film adaptations. Is this always the case? With the use of contemporary examples we will try to answer this question. Through discussions of the books, we will investigate why certain novels continually get adapted, what aspects of books lead to successful adaptations and examine the relationship between books and films. The primary focus will be upon the original novels; however students will be encouraged to watch film adaptations themselves.

Rob O’Connor BA MA CTLLS

• Day: Monday
• Start date: 22 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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The Many Faces of Arthur: Arthurian Legend through the Ages

Cancelled

The legends of King Arthur have fascinated generations. The court of Camelot, the Round Table and the quest for the grail still inspire today. But where did these myths begin? This course considers how each generation has appropriated Arthur, moving from the origins of the legend, following the re-workings through to the present day. The course uses a variety of sources, ranging from Geoffrey of Monmouth to Monty Python, to explore the history and reinvention of Arthurian myths.
Alice Bennett BA MA MPhil

• Day: Tuesday
• Start date: 23 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 8
• Full fee: £53.50

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Introduction to Postcolonial Writing

Cancelled 

‘The power to narrate, or to block other narratives from forming and emerging, is very important to culture and imperialism, and constitutes one of the main connections between them’ (Edward Said). This course looks at postcolonial writing in the aftermath of French and British colonialism and considers the political and aesthetic dimensions of literature as cultural resistance. We will engage with key concepts in postcolonial studies such as identity, nationalism and diaspora and examine their representation in writing.

Isabelle Hesse BA MA

• Day: Wednesday
• Start date: 24 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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Best of the Book Clubs

Cancelled

Book clubs have risen in popularity in the past decade. In this course we will discuss a selection of the best titles from popular book clubs, such as the ‘Richard and Judy Book Club’ and Channel 4’s ‘TV Book Club’. What has made the country start reading again? What kind of books regularly appear on book club lists? What marketing power does a book club hold? All that is required is a willingness to read and discuss the chosen books.

Rob O’Connor BA MA CTLLS

• Day: Thursday
• Start date: 25 April 2013
• Time: 7-9pm 
• No. of weeks: 10
• Full fee: £67.00

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A Day with Dorothy L Sayers

Sayers became a queen of detective fiction, reigning alongside Christie, Allingham, Tey and others with her creation of the elegant amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey. She created a brilliant cast of detecting characters but her novels also tackled social issues ranging from women's education to the class system. Students will read her letters and extracts from the novels in the context of her time and spend the day with two fascinating and enquiring minds - hers and Lord Peter's.

Helen Bullock BA MA

• Day: Saturday
• Start date: 29 June 2013
• Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
• No. of weeks: 1
• Full fee: £35.00

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