Introduction to British Literature
Canons, Contexts and Critical Traditions
A foundational survey tracing the evolution of the British literary tradition from early epic poetry to modern prose. Learners analyse landmark texts within their historical, philosophical and social contexts to build rigorous skills in literary criticism.
Certificate awarded when all 12 lessons are completed
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Course Modules
Module 1: Origins of the Tradition
3 lessons
Early epic and medieval literature and how the English language and its stories began.
Module 2: Renaissance and Reason
3 lessons
Shakespeare, Milton and the Augustan age of satire and reason.
Module 3: Romantics and Victorians
3 lessons
Imagination, nature, industry and the great age of the realist novel.
Module 4: Modern Prose and Critical Traditions
3 lessons
Modernism, the twentieth century and how readers and critics build meaning.