Crime fiction reading group
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- Start Date: 08 Oct 2025End Date: 01 Jul 2026Wed (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 9 sessions (over -39 weeks)Course Code: HLT345Tutors: Christine HawkinsFull fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00
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What is the course about?
Each month, we will meet in person to discuss the book of the month, beginning in October with the crime classic 'The Big Sleep', consistently rated as one of the top 100 novels and frequently listed as one of the most popular crime fiction novels. The novel introduces private detective Philip Marlowe: a flawed 'hero' regarded as the archetypal fictional detective by many. The plot is complex, leading the reader into the dark, seedy world of Hollywood, with gambling, blackmail and murder aplenty. One of the questions we will explore is the ongoing debate: is this novel really crime fiction, or a thriller? What is the difference? And does it matter to the reader if the detective 'hero' is not perfect?
What will we cover?
Throughout the year, we will discuss the wider issues revealed in a range of texts, thinking about the historical changes in crime fiction, use of character, gender, class, and considering what makes crime fiction such a captivating genre to read and to study.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
-read crime novels you might not have considered before
-focus on key points when discussing a literary work
-express your opinion clearly.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for all those who enjoy crime fiction. No previous knowledge or experience of Literature is necessary. However, learners will, ideally, need the following skills and attributes:
-An enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of crime fiction texts
-A willingness and ability to do some reading and preparation outside the class. You will be expected to read the selected novel for each session.
-An interest in, and ability to listen to, the responses of other students to the work discussed.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each month, the group will select a novel to be read before the following session, when there will be a group discussion on the merits of the book in question.
Monthly meetings take place on 8/10, 5/11, 3/12, 21/1, 18/2, 18/3, 6/5, 3/6, 1/7.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please read and bring a copy of 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler to the first session.
You will be required to borrow or buy the selected book in paperback for each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other taster courses include two daytime sessions on Fridays - HLT06 and HLT14 and an evening online session - HLT173.Look for other Literature courses under History, Culture and Writing/Literature/Fiction at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Dr Christine Hawkins has extensive experience in teaching across a wide range of ages for many years. Her Phd surveyed Victorian policing, and early women police and detectives within fiction and real life instances. Her other research interests include sensation fiction, walking cultures, London and of course, crime fiction. She currently teaches at Queen Mary, University of London, on London, childhood, and diaspora. She is presently working on a novel set in 18th century England. Christine has a life-long love of Victorian novels and crime writing, and is slowly working her way through practically every crime novel ever written.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.