Course overview

This course will consider and analyse the following authors and their texts. These are: Strange Meeting - Susan Hill. So Long Hector Bebb - Ron Berry. Flaubert鈥檚 Parrot - Julian Barnes. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro. Innocence - Penelope Fitzgerald. These texts will provide a window into the different regions of Britain during two decades of major change in the social fabric and political nature of Britain, though several of our texts will trace these changes back to the earlier part of the twentieth century, and in doing so, we will encounter themes of identity, class and the decline of Empire. There will be much to prompt discussion and challenge our assumptions.

Course description

This course delves into the literary landscapes of Britain through the exploration of five seminal texts: Strange Meeting by Susan Hill, So Long Hector Bebb by Ron Berry, Flaubert鈥檚 Parrot by Julian Barnes, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, and Innocence by Penelope Fitzgerald. Spanning two transformative decades in British history, these works serve as a prism through which we examine the shifting social fabric and political landscape of the nation.

Through close reading and critical analysis, students will explore how these authors address themes of identity, class, and the decline of the British Empire. We will trace the influence of earlier twentieth-century events on these narratives and reflect on how they shape contemporary British society. Each text offers a unique perspective on the diverse regions of Britain, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that underpin these stories.

Discussions will challenge our assumptions and prompt us to consider the complexities of British identity during periods of significant change. This course is designed for students interested in literature, history, and cultural studies, providing a rich foundation for understanding the interplay between literature and societal transformation. By the end of the course, students will have a nuanced appreciation of the literary depiction of Britain's evolving identity.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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