This literature course centres on exploring the wild exhilarating landscapes of Byron and Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge, and the prose of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. We will look at earlier passages from the Renaissance and the philosophy of Longinus. We will question whether ‘the sublime’ is an intense state of mind, a physical force, or a mode of expression by relating these writers to the history of the concept.
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The course will explore the origins of the sublime with reference to the work of Longinus and the notion of heightened rhetoric. We will see how the sublime develops in the Renaissance by exploring passages from Shakespeare, Marlowe and John Milton. Relating this to the emergence of a new aesthetics in the eighteenth century we will explore the theories of Edmund Burke in relation to eighteenth century painting and Romantic painting and music. In retrospect, we shall look at passages from the Bible and consider their relation to aspects of sublimity.
The main focus of the course will unfold as we look at how Romantic writers create exhilarating effects of awe, astonishment, fear and wonder. How do their rhetorical devices build a world of majestic grandeur, inspiring natural scenery, and heightened emotional states of the onlooker?
What will we cover?
We will pay close attention to language and its effects, and consider how historical and philosophical contexts can inform our appreciation of the effects of fear, wonder and astonishment. Balancing accessibility with intellectual stimulation, we shall link the poetry to key concepts and discussions of the sublime.
Authors include Byron, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley.
Philosophical Extracts: from Longinus, a range of eighteenth century critics, Edmund Burke, Immanuel Kant, modern theories of the sublime.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand and define some of the ways in which the language of the writers build landscapes, perception, and emotional response.
Understand and define some of the ways in which historical and philosophical contexts can inform our reading of intense moments of exhilaration in these works.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is open to all; you do not need to have prior knowledge of these texts to participate, just an interest in exploring and discussing the subject.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through close reading of set extracts, class discussion, and visual slides.
It is recommended that you read the poems and extracts before the relevant class for maximum enjoyment, starting with Byron’s depiction of the spectacular thunderstorm above Lake Geneva in Childe Harold III and his vision of the apocalypse in ‘Darkness’.
The course will be taught at Keeley Street through close reading of textual extracts (provided in advance), visual slides, and class discussion.
You may be given optional guided reading tasks to aid understanding or to prepare for a class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The tutor will provide all materials.
You will need to read the poems, passages and extracts, using the guided reading support materials to advance understanding. These materials help a focused approach to independent study, aiding readers to focus on specific moments in relation to the sublime.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Look for other Literature courses under Culture, History and Humanities at www.citylit.ac.uk/courses.
Alexander has taught advanced Literature and English Language for over twenty-five years. A Former Head of English, Alexander currently teaches Literature courses to adults at The Questors Theatre, Ealing, and to students at a 6th Form College in Kensington. He has been writing a book on the critical reception of JG Ballard, worked at three top ten 6th Form Colleges, and trained A level teachers how to teach ‘Critical Discourse Analysis’. He holds an MA distinction in Shakespeare Studies, a PGCE, a first in English Literature BA (hons.), and a DipEngl in English Language. An FRSA, he brings a passionate commitment to life-long learning, to making connections between disciplines, and to creating supportive and engaging learning environments.
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/the-sublime-a-history-ancient-to-romantic3047236The Sublime, a History: Ancient to Romantichttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/literature-taster-poetry-hlt373-1080.jpg279279GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Literary history22851177118715981228511771187<p>This literature course centres on exploring the wild exhilarating landscapes of Byron and Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge, and the prose of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. We will look at earlier passages from the Renaissance and the philosophy of Longinus. We will question whether ‘the sublime’ is an intense state of mind, a physical force, or a mode of expression by relating these writers to the history of the concept<em>. </em></p>003047200The Sublime, a History: Ancient to Romantic279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/literature-taster-poetry-hlt373-1080.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHLT294279279The Sublime, a History: Ancient to Romantic223181279Alexander Fairbairn-Dixonthe-sublime-a-history-ancient-to-romantic/hlt294-2627<p>This literature course centres on exploring the wild exhilarating landscapes of Byron and Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge, and the prose of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. We will look at earlier passages from the Renaissance and the philosophy of Longinus. We will question whether ‘the sublime’ is an intense state of mind, a physical force, or a mode of expression by relating these writers to the history of the concept<em>. </em></p>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>The course will explore the origins of the sublime with reference to the work of Longinus and the notion of heightened rhetoric. We will see how the sublime develops in the Renaissance by exploring passages from Shakespeare, Marlowe and John Milton. Relating this to the emergence of a new aesthetics in the eighteenth century we will explore the theories of Edmund Burke in relation to eighteenth century painting and Romantic painting and music. In retrospect, we shall look at passages from the Bible and consider their relation to aspects of sublimity. </p><p>The main focus of the course will unfold as we look at how Romantic writers create exhilarating effects of awe, astonishment, fear and wonder. How do their rhetorical devices build a world of majestic grandeur, inspiring natural scenery, and heightened emotional states of the onlooker?<br></p><p>This literature course centres on exploring the wild exhilarating landscapes of Byron and Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge, and the prose of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. We will look at earlier passages from the Renaissance and the philosophy of Longinus. We will question whether ‘the sublime’ is an intense state of mind, a physical force, or a mode of expression by relating these writers to the history of the concept<em>. </em></p><p>We will pay close attention to language and its effects, and consider how historical and philosophical contexts can inform our appreciation of the effects of fear, wonder and astonishment. Balancing accessibility with intellectual stimulation, we shall link the poetry to key concepts and discussions of the sublime. </p><p>Authors include Byron, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley.</p><p>Philosophical Extracts: from Longinus, a range of eighteenth century critics, Edmund Burke, Immanuel Kant, modern theories of the sublime.</p><p></p><p>Understand and define some of the ways in which the language of the writers build landscapes, perception, and emotional response.<br><br>Understand and define some of the ways in which historical and philosophical contexts can inform our reading of intense moments of exhilaration in these works. </p><p>The course is open to all; you do not need to have prior knowledge of these texts to participate, just an interest in exploring and discussing the subject.</p><p>You will be taught through close reading of set extracts, class discussion, and visual slides.</p><p>It is recommended that you read the poems and extracts before the relevant class for maximum enjoyment, starting with Byron’s depiction of the spectacular thunderstorm above Lake Geneva in <em>Childe Harold</em> III and his vision of the apocalypse in ‘Darkness’. </p><p>The course will be taught at Keeley Street through close reading of textual extracts (provided in advance), visual slides, and class discussion.<br><br>You may be given optional guided reading tasks to aid understanding or to prepare for a class.</p><p>The tutor will provide all materials.</p><p>You will need to read the poems, passages and extracts, using the guided reading support materials to advance understanding. These materials help a focused approach to independent study, aiding readers to focus on specific moments in relation to the sublime. </p><p>Look for other Literature courses under Culture, History and Humanities at www.citylit.ac.uk/courses.</p>LiteratureLiterary historyvirtual223279181HLT294NONETue22/09/26 - 01/12/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:006 sessions (over 11 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAlexander Fairbairn-DixonBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-22T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities279279The Sublime, a History: Ancient to Romanticthe-sublime-a-history-ancient-to-romantic/hlt294-2627<p>This literature course centres on exploring the wild exhilarating landscapes of Byron and Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge, and the prose of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. We will look at earlier passages from the Renaissance and the philosophy of Longinus. We will question whether ‘the sublime’ is an intense state of mind, a physical force, or a mode of expression by relating these writers to the history of the concept<em>. </em></p>0000-Available|2026-09-22 00:00:00<p>The course will explore the origins of the sublime with reference to the work of Longinus and the notion of heightened rhetoric. We will see how the sublime develops in the Renaissance by exploring passages from Shakespeare, Marlowe and John Milton. Relating this to the emergence of a new aesthetics in the eighteenth century we will explore the theories of Edmund Burke in relation to eighteenth century painting and Romantic painting and music. In retrospect, we shall look at passages from the Bible and consider their relation to aspects of sublimity. </p><p>The main focus of the course will unfold as we look at how Romantic writers create exhilarating effects of awe, astonishment, fear and wonder. How do their rhetorical devices build a world of majestic grandeur, inspiring natural scenery, and heightened emotional states of the onlooker?<br></p><p>This literature course centres on exploring the wild exhilarating landscapes of Byron and Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge, and the prose of Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. We will look at earlier passages from the Renaissance and the philosophy of Longinus. We will question whether ‘the sublime’ is an intense state of mind, a physical force, or a mode of expression by relating these writers to the history of the concept<em>. </em></p><p>We will pay close attention to language and its effects, and consider how historical and philosophical contexts can inform our appreciation of the effects of fear, wonder and astonishment. Balancing accessibility with intellectual stimulation, we shall link the poetry to key concepts and discussions of the sublime. </p><p>Authors include Byron, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley.</p><p>Philosophical Extracts: from Longinus, a range of eighteenth century critics, Edmund Burke, Immanuel Kant, modern theories of the sublime.</p><p></p><p>Understand and define some of the ways in which the language of the writers build landscapes, perception, and emotional response.<br><br>Understand and define some of the ways in which historical and philosophical contexts can inform our reading of intense moments of exhilaration in these works. </p><p>The course is open to all; you do not need to have prior knowledge of these texts to participate, just an interest in exploring and discussing the subject.</p><p>You will be taught through close reading of set extracts, class discussion, and visual slides.</p><p>It is recommended that you read the poems and extracts before the relevant class for maximum enjoyment, starting with Byron’s depiction of the spectacular thunderstorm above Lake Geneva in <em>Childe Harold</em> III and his vision of the apocalypse in ‘Darkness’. </p><p>The course will be taught at Keeley Street through close reading of textual extracts (provided in advance), visual slides, and class discussion.<br><br>You may be given optional guided reading tasks to aid understanding or to prepare for a class.</p><p>The tutor will provide all materials.</p><p>You will need to read the poems, passages and extracts, using the guided reading support materials to advance understanding. These materials help a focused approach to independent study, aiding readers to focus on specific moments in relation to the sublime. </p><p>Look for other Literature courses under Culture, History and Humanities at www.citylit.ac.uk/courses.</p>LiteratureLiterary historyconfigurable
15981187Literary historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature/literary-history1/2/285/1177/1187/15981/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Literary history
