Masterpieces of World Literature: classics of colonialism and independence – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe & Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
This one-day Literature course will give you an introduction to texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. We will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions, giving you an understanding of these texts and a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity an...
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This in-college literature course will give you an introduction to texts often considered ‘masterpieces’ of world literature, as we read texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. This one-day course will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions. You’ll leave the course with not only an understanding of these texts but also a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.
This course is designed to give you a flavour of literary traditions from around the world and possible routes for further reading. It can be taken as a standalone course or paired with our other Masterpieces of World Literature course, HLT396, which focuses on literature in translation from Spanish.
We will think about how we decide what constitutes a ‘masterpiece’ (a subjective and political term), and how we go about reading texts from such different historical periods, geographical locations and languages alongside each other.
Content guidance: Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we ask that everyone engage in group and class discussions with respect.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand some definitions of the term ‘world literature’
Identify and analyse key literary texts that are often considered classic works of world literature
Discuss key ideas and debates about how and why we read literary texts across cultures, language and national borders
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory level course and no prior experience or knowledge is required, though all with an interest in the subject are welcome.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through a mix of presentations from the tutor, group discussion, small group activities, and close reading and analysis, with encouragement to share your own responses and ideas about the texts.
You’ll be emailed extracts from the two texts to read before the class - you’ll get even more out of the class if you’re able to read the whole novels beforehand, but this is not compulsory.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to read the extracts which will be emailed to you before the course.
If you wish to, you may buy or borrow a copy of the texts we will discuss, to bring with you, but this is not compulsory:
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangaremgba
Additionally, the tutor will supply digital materials, and extracts of other set readings and additional readings.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The tutor will also be teaching HLT396 Masterpieces of World Literature: Spanish Language Classics in Translation - Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.
Rebecca Jones is a researcher and lecturer in African literature, world literatures and travel writing. She has a PhD from the University of Birmingham, where she subsequently worked as a Lecturer, and is now an Honorary Research Fellow at Birmingham. Her first book, At the Crossroads: Nigerian Travel Writing and Literary Culture in Yoruba and English was published in 2019. She is an editor of the literary travel writing journal Fortunate Traveller. She works as a researcher at a charity and also runs creative journalling workshops for mothers.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/masterpieces-of-world-literature-classics-of-colonialism-and-independence-things-fall-apart-by-chinua-achebe-nervous-conditions-by-tsitsi-dangarembga3047329Masterpieces of World Literature: classics of colonialism and independence – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe & Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembgahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/fiction-1024.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Fiction/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in humanities2285117711871188135721228511771187165313457<p>This one-day Literature course will give you an introduction to texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. We will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions</em>, giving you an understanding of these texts and a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p>002998142Masterpieces of World Literature: classics of colonialism and independence – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe & Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/fiction-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-06-27T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHLT3976969Masterpieces of World Literature: classics of colonialism and independence – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe & Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga554569Rebecca Jonesmasterpieces-of-world-literature-classics-of-colonialism-and-independence-things-fall-apart-by-chinua-achebe-nervous-conditions-by-tsitsi-dangarembga/hlt397-2526<p>This one-day Literature course will give you an introduction to texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. We will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions</em>, giving you an understanding of these texts and a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-27 00:00:00<p>This in-college literature course will give you an introduction to texts often considered ‘masterpieces’ of world literature, as we read texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. This one-day course will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions.</em> You’ll leave the course with not only an understanding of these texts but also a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p><p> </p><p>This one-day Literature course will give you an introduction to texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. We will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions</em>, giving you an understanding of these texts and a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p><p><a>This course will introduce you to outstanding literary texts that are often considered ‘masterpieces’ of world literature - classic literary works that have circulated around the world and been read far beyond their communities and nations of origin. We’ll traverse not only centuries, but also geographical locations from the English-speaking world and beyond, and languages other than English, to explore an extraordinarily diverse range of texts that could be considered part of the world’s literary heritage. </a></p><p>This course is designed to give you a flavour of literary traditions from around the world and possible routes for further reading. It can be taken as a standalone course or paired with our other Masterpieces of World Literature course, HLT396, which focuses on literature in translation from Spanish. </p><p>We will think about how we decide what constitutes a ‘masterpiece’ (a subjective and political term), and how we go about reading texts from such different historical periods, geographical locations and languages alongside each other. </p><p><a>Content guidance: </a>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we ask that everyone engage in group and class discussions with respect. </p><p> </p><p> </p><ul><li>Understand some definitions of the term ‘world literature’</li><li>Identify and analyse key literary texts that are often considered classic works of world literature</li><li>Discuss key ideas and debates about how and why we read literary texts across cultures, language and national borders</li></ul><p>This is an introductory level course and no prior experience or knowledge is required, though all with an interest in the subject are welcome.</p><p>You will be taught through a mix of presentations from the tutor, group discussion, small group activities, and close reading and analysis, with encouragement to share your own responses and ideas about the texts.</p><p>You’ll be emailed extracts from the two texts to read before the class - you’ll get even more out of the class if you’re able to read the whole novels beforehand, but this is not compulsory.</p><p> </p><p>You will need to read the extracts which will be emailed to you before the course.</p><p>If you wish to, you may buy or borrow a copy of the texts we will discuss, to bring with you, but this is not compulsory:</p><ul><li><em>Things Fall Apart </em>by Chinua Achebe</li><li><em>Nervous Conditions</em> by Tsitsi Dangaremgba</li></ul><p>Additionally, the tutor will supply digital materials, and extracts of other set readings and additional readings.</p><p>The tutor will also be teaching HLT396 Masterpieces of World Literature: Spanish Language Classics in Translation - Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.</p><p>Look for other Literature courses at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature</a></p>LiteratureFictionvirtual556945HLT397NONESat27/06/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetRebecca JonesBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-27T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities6969Masterpieces of World Literature: classics of colonialism and independence – Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe & Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembgamasterpieces-of-world-literature-classics-of-colonialism-and-independence-things-fall-apart-by-chinua-achebe-nervous-conditions-by-tsitsi-dangarembga/hlt397-2526<p>This one-day Literature course will give you an introduction to texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. We will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions</em>, giving you an understanding of these texts and a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-27 00:00:00<p>This in-college literature course will give you an introduction to texts often considered ‘masterpieces’ of world literature, as we read texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. This one-day course will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions.</em> You’ll leave the course with not only an understanding of these texts but also a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p><p> </p><p>This one-day Literature course will give you an introduction to texts from across centuries, languages and national borders, both within and beyond the English-speaking world. We will focus on two African literary classics: Chinua Achebe’s <em>Things Fall Apart</em> and Tsitsi Dangarembga’s <em>Nervous Conditions</em>, giving you an understanding of these texts and a new appreciation of the world’s rich literary heritage in all its diversity and complexity.</p><p><a>This course will introduce you to outstanding literary texts that are often considered ‘masterpieces’ of world literature - classic literary works that have circulated around the world and been read far beyond their communities and nations of origin. We’ll traverse not only centuries, but also geographical locations from the English-speaking world and beyond, and languages other than English, to explore an extraordinarily diverse range of texts that could be considered part of the world’s literary heritage. </a></p><p>This course is designed to give you a flavour of literary traditions from around the world and possible routes for further reading. It can be taken as a standalone course or paired with our other Masterpieces of World Literature course, HLT396, which focuses on literature in translation from Spanish. </p><p>We will think about how we decide what constitutes a ‘masterpiece’ (a subjective and political term), and how we go about reading texts from such different historical periods, geographical locations and languages alongside each other. </p><p><a>Content guidance: </a>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we ask that everyone engage in group and class discussions with respect. </p><p> </p><p> </p><ul><li>Understand some definitions of the term ‘world literature’</li><li>Identify and analyse key literary texts that are often considered classic works of world literature</li><li>Discuss key ideas and debates about how and why we read literary texts across cultures, language and national borders</li></ul><p>This is an introductory level course and no prior experience or knowledge is required, though all with an interest in the subject are welcome.</p><p>You will be taught through a mix of presentations from the tutor, group discussion, small group activities, and close reading and analysis, with encouragement to share your own responses and ideas about the texts.</p><p>You’ll be emailed extracts from the two texts to read before the class - you’ll get even more out of the class if you’re able to read the whole novels beforehand, but this is not compulsory.</p><p> </p><p>You will need to read the extracts which will be emailed to you before the course.</p><p>If you wish to, you may buy or borrow a copy of the texts we will discuss, to bring with you, but this is not compulsory:</p><ul><li><em>Things Fall Apart </em>by Chinua Achebe</li><li><em>Nervous Conditions</em> by Tsitsi Dangaremgba</li></ul><p>Additionally, the tutor will supply digital materials, and extracts of other set readings and additional readings.</p><p>The tutor will also be teaching HLT396 Masterpieces of World Literature: Spanish Language Classics in Translation - Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.</p><p>Look for other Literature courses at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature</a></p>LiteratureFictionconfigurable
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