Parenting in the novel: from Jane Austen to Roddy Doyle

About this course

The course explores childbirth, joint parenting and single parenting across domestic realism, modernism and contemporary experimental writing. Participants will examine how narrative voice, dialogue, structure and language convey the experiences and effects of parenthood. Literary passages will be considered in their historical and social contexts, sometimes alongside memoirs and childcare manuals, as well as information about the authors’ lives. Teaching combines tutor presentations with small-group and whole-group discussion, with extracts read aloud in class and opportunities to introduce relevant examples from participants’ own reading.

What you'll learn

• Analyse how prose fiction represents parenting in varied ways across different periods
• Identify and closely examine narrative techniques including voice, dialogue, structure and language choice
• Interpret literary extracts in their historical, social and literary contexts

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the course is intended for learners interested in discussing responses to prose fiction and considering other participants’ views. Sessions involve reading extracts aloud, contributing to group discussion and completing some preparatory reading between classes.

• Requires willingness to read extracts aloud in class
• Includes small-group and whole-group discussion
• Some preparatory reading is expected before each session

Before you go

• All course materials are provided by the tutor.
• Bring a pen or pencil for annotating extracts.