Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special.
The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings and discussion in an informal atmosphere.
What will we cover?
We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.
There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. -Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem. -Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome.
You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class. Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will be sent copies of the poems and fiction by the tutor to read before the session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under Culture, History and Humanities on the website at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Patricia Sweeney is Programme Coordinator for Literature at City Lit. She has been working in the university and adult education sectors for over 20 years, with specialist teaching interests in American cultural studies, modern and contemporary British and American fiction, drama and film adaptation. In addition to her work at City Lit, Patricia has taught Literature courses for the Open University, Literature, Drama and Film courses for Birkbeck, University of London and contributed to MA and PGCE courses at the Institute of Education, University College London.
Judith BryanSee moreSee less
Judith Bryan is a writer and City Lit’s Literature Coordinator. Her praxis sits at the intersection of Creative Writing, History and Literature, with an interest in Black British history from 1590, and Black British writing from 1760. With over 20 years’ experience teaching Creative Writing in universities, adult education and community settings, Judith is committed to widening participation in Literature studies. She is particularly keen to incorporate diverse texts and learning materials that reflect and expand learners’ interests, experiences, abilities and wellbeing needs. Her first novel, 'Bernard and the Cloth Monkey' (Saga Prize, 1997), was reissued by Penguin in 2021 for their Black Britian Writing Back Series, with a new introduction by Booker prize winner Bernadine Evaristo. She is working on her third book.
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/literature-taster145844Literature tasterhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/literature-taster-hlt63-1080.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Courses/Taster courses/Courses/Taster courses/Humanities tasters/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Introductory Literature courses/Courses/Short Courses/Courses/Short Courses/Humanities22851177118718031809185913411134171228511771803118713411Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose. Poems and short stories will be explored through class readings and discussion in an informal atmosphere. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>44.83037672Literature taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/literature-taster-hlt63-1080_36.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-12-05T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersDec 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHLT2061919Literature taster151219Patricia Sweeneyliterature-taster/hlt206-2627Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.0000-Available|2026-12-05 00:00:00This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings <br> and discussion in an informal atmosphere.Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.<br> <br> There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. <br> -Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem.<br> -Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literature is necessary. Anyone <br> with an interest in discussing literature is welcome.<br><br>You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. <br> You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class.<br> Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.You will be sent copies of the poems and fiction by the tutor to read before the session.<p>We will discuss courses for further study on the day. Look up Literature courses on our website under Culture, History and Humanities at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>LiteratureIntroductory Literature coursesvirtual3046921Literature taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/literature-taster-hlt63-1080_37.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-09-09T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHLT631919Literature taster151219Patricia Sweeneyliterature-taster/hlt63-2627Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.0000-Available|2026-09-09 00:00:00This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings and discussion in an informal atmosphere.Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.<br><br>There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. <br>-Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem.<br>-Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome. <br><br>You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. <br>You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class.<br>Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.You will be sent copies of the poems and fiction by the tutor to read before the session.<p>We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under Culture, History and Humanities on the website at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>LiteratureIntroductory Literature coursesvirtual3073993Literature taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/literature-taster-hlt63-1080_39.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-03-27T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersMar 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHLT2771919Literature taster151219Judith Bryanliterature-taster/hlt277-2627Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-<br>fiction.0000-Available|2027-03-27 00:00:00This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings <br> and discussion in an informal atmosphere.Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-<br>fiction.We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.<br> <br> There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. <br> -Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem.<br> -Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. <br> Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome. <br> <br> You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. <br> You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class.<br> Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.You will be sent copies of the poems and fiction by the tutor to read before the session.<p>We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under Humanities, Culture and History at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>LiteratureIntroductory Literature coursesvirtual3073999Literature taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/literature-taster-hlt63-1080_38.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-01-09T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHLT381919Literature taster151219Patricia Sweeneyliterature-taster/hlt38-2627<p>Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special.<br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-09 00:00:00<p>This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings and discussion in an informal atmosphere.</p><p>Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special.<br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.</p>We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.<br> <br> There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. <br> -Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem.<br> -Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.<p>The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome.<br><br>You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others.<br>You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.</p>A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class.<br> Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.You will be sent copies of the poems and fiction by the tutor to read before the session.We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under History, Culture and Writing/Literature on the website at www.citylit.ac.uk.LiteratureIntroductory Literature coursesvirtual151912HLT206,HLT63,HLT277,HLT38NONESat,Wed09/09/2610:30 - 12:3010:3012:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekend,WeekdayKSOnline,Keeley StreetPatricia Sweeney,Judith BryanBeginnersAvailable courses2026-12-05T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-09T00:00:00+00:00,2027-03-27T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-09T00:00:00+00:00Dec 2026,Sep 2026,Mar 2027,Jan 2027Culture, history & humanities1919Literature tasterliterature-taster/hlt206-2627,literature-taster/hlt63-2627,literature-taster/hlt277-2627,literature-taster/hlt38-2627Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.,Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-<br>fiction.,<p>Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special.<br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-09 00:00:00This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings <br> and discussion in an informal atmosphere.,This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings and discussion in an informal atmosphere.,<p>This short course is designed for you to experience the study of poetry and prose, explored through class readings and discussion in an informal atmosphere.</p>Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.,Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. <br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-<br>fiction.,<p>Do you want to explore how to go about understanding a poem? How to do a close reading of a work of fiction? Come and find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special.<br><br>The course also presents an overview of our upcoming literature offering in fiction, poetry, drama and literary non-fiction.</p>We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.<br> <br> There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.,We will read and discuss a short story and several poems. Readings will be sent before the course date.<br><br>There will be time to discuss the upcoming Literature programme offering.-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. <br> -Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem.<br> -Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.,-Begin to feel more confident about how to read and analyse a work of fiction. <br>-Begin to feel more confident with how to read and analyse a poem.<br>-Become familiar with upcoming Literature courses on offer at the City Lit.The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literature is necessary. Anyone <br> with an interest in discussing literature is welcome.<br><br>You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. <br> You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.,The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome. <br><br>You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. <br>You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.,The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. <br> Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome. <br> <br> You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others. <br> You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.,<p>The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literary study is necessary. Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome.<br><br>You will need to have an enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts and poems with others.<br>You will have an interest in the responses of other students to the work discussed.</p>A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class.<br> Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.,A variety of teaching methods will be used, including tutor-led presentation, group discussion and reading in class.<br>Readings will be sent beforehand by the tutor.You will be sent copies of the poems and fiction by the tutor to read before the session.<p>We will discuss courses for further study on the day. Look up Literature courses on our website under Culture, History and Humanities at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>,<p>We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under Culture, History and Humanities on the website at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>,<p>We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under Humanities, Culture and History at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>,We will discuss what to do next on the day. Please see our range of Literature courses under History, Culture and Writing/Literature on the website at www.citylit.ac.uk.LiteratureIntroductory Literature coursesconfigurable
18591187Introductory Literature courseshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/literature/introductory-literature-courses1/2/285/1177/1187/18591/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Literature/Introductory Literature courses
