Literature
British Literature 1900-1950
An all-levels course examining British novels, short stories and poetry written during Britain’s social, political and psychological upheavals from 1900 to 1950.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
This course examines British writing from 1900 to 1950 through novels, short fiction and poetry shaped by social, political and psychological upheaval. Texts include E. M. Forster’s Howards End, Joseph Conrad’s ‘The Secret Sharer’, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, poetry of the 1930s and Elizabeth Bowen’s stories about the Blitz. Teaching combines tutor presentation with close-reading exercises, small-group work and whole-class discussion. Sessions consider manners, morality, empire, national identity, travel, unconscious experience, industrial change, political conflict, war and representations of London, alongside the techniques and styles used by the writers.
What you'll learn
- Discuss significant British novels, stories and poems from the first half of the twentieth century
- Explain how the texts reflect and embody social, political and psychological change
- Recognise techniques and styles used by important writers of the period
Is this course right for you?
Listed as All Levels, the course is intended for learners with an interest in reading and discussing literature; the label does not specify a prior level of study. Participation is interactive, with close reading, small-group work and class discussion alongside tutor presentation.
Before you go
- Bring copies of E. M. Forster’s Howards End, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway and Joseph Conrad’s ‘The Secret Sharer’. Any edition is suitable.
- The poetry selection and Elizabeth Bowen short stories are provided.