Let Sara guide you into the world of British literature.
British Literature Course
£1,498
The UK stands as the cradle of classic literature, having produced literary giants like Shakespeare and Dickens — writers whose words continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
If you’ve always wanted to explore the works of these great British authors but didn’t know where to begin, this English literature course is the perfect starting point. Guided by our highly experienced English tutor, Sara, you’ll dive into the dramatic tale of vengeance in Hamlet, confront moral struggles and social expectations in Great Expectations, and wander through the whimsical and thought-provoking world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Through these texts, you won’t just read stories — you’ll step into the heart of 17th to 19th-century British society, uncovering its history, culture, and values. You’ll also strengthen your English skills along the way, with a special focus on practical, everyday expressions rooted in these timeless works. This means that besides understanding the language of the texts, you’ll learn how to use that language in your own daily life.
Whether you’re a literature lover, a language learner, or someone curious about British culture, this course offers a rich and engaging experience that blends intellectual discovery with real-world language practice. Your literary journey into the heart of Britain starts here. Come and join us!
Course Features
Explore British literature in small groups of 3 through this one-of-a-kind learning journey.
Flexible Scheduling
In addition to the weekly 1.5-hour live session, you can plan your reading, assignments, and film viewings at your own pace.
No need to read the originals in advance — our guided sessions will help you fully grasp and appreciate each work by the end of the course.
Dive into British Literature
Enjoy dynamic interaction that sparks creativity and insight, making the learning process both engaging and rewarding.
Small Group Learning
Designed for upper-intermediate to advanced learners, this course will stretch your language skills and help you reach the next level.
Advanced English Level
This Course Is For
British Literature Beginners
You’ve never formally studied British literature, but you’re curious and eager to step into the world of the classics.
Independent
Readers
You’ve read one or more of the featured works on your own and now want to explore their deeper meanings and historical context.
Advanced Language Learners
You’re confident in everyday English and now ready to elevate your skills through rich literary language and cultural nuance.
British History Enthusiasts
You’re fascinated by British history and want to understand 17th–19th century society through the lens of its greatest literary works.
Yiqi Wang
“Reading literature can be intimidating for non-native speakers, as it requires not only good reading comprehension skills but also a sufficient understanding of the cultural and historical context of these great pieces to appreciate them fully. Sara's course provides the key to unlocking new adventures! What I find particularly helpful is that the pre-course homework provides a brief intro and sneak peek of the following week's material. A bonus point is that these homework assignments are not complicated, making them perfect for a warm-up and not time-consuming. I also feel Sara's passion for history and literature. Very inspiring! After taking this course, I am more interested and also more comfortable and keen to read Shakespeare 🙂”
Meet Sara
The Literature Course will be taught by Sara, a UK tutor with over 25 years of teaching experience. She specialises in both General and Legal English and has taught in countries including Italy, India, the Czech Republic, Turkey, France, and Ireland. She is currently based in Northern Ireland.
Sara has a deep passion for British literature. With her expertise in unpacking classic texts, she guides students through the world of British literary masterpieces in a way that is both insightful and easy to understand. Her teaching invites learners to immerse themselves not only in the language of the texts but also in the rich history and cultural depth that shaped them.
Course Objectives
✓ Understand and analyse three literary classics: Hamlet, Great Expectations, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
✓ Help students grasp the deeper meanings of the original texts through modern translations.
✓ Foster critical and creative thinking skills through in-class discussions.
✓ Explore the language used in British literature to enhance your English proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary, and expression.
✓ Gain insight into the social changes and cultural context of 17th to 19th-century Britain.
Part I: William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, considered the greatest playwright in English literature, had a profound impact on the development of Western literature. His 39 plays demonstrate a deep understanding of human nature and have created many iconic characters. Among them, Hamlet is one of his most famous works. The play tells the story of Prince Hamlet's inner struggle during his quest for revenge, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and mortality.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Shakespeare
Gain a deep understanding of 17th-century Shakespeare, learning about his life and achievements.
Explore his unique style, such as wordplay, rhythm, rhyme, and the structure of sonnets.
Lesson 2: The Historical Context of Hamlet
Review the political power struggles of Shakespeare's time – the succession issue following the death of Queen Elizabeth I.
Explore the impact of the European Renaissance on the development of English drama, and the characteristics of theatrical performances at the time.
Lesson 3: Hamlet I
Deep dive into the story, analysing character traits and the power dynamics between them.
Learn how to start from the original text, combined with modern translations, to enhance your understanding of the work.
Lesson 4: Hamlet II
Review the core themes and share reading experiences of Hamlet.
Students share their learning experiences and exchange their understanding and interpretation of the work.
Part II: Charles Dickens
Dickens is one of the most respected novelists in 19th-century England. Due to his personal experiences and the social context of the time, he often used his stories to expose social injustices. In the later part of his career, Dickens completed the monumental work, Great Expectations, which tells the story of Pip's pursuit of success and entry into high society. Through the protagonist's transformation at different stages, the novel invites readers to reconsider their pursuit of class, ambition, morality, and love.
Lesson 5: Introduction to Dickens
Understand 19th-century English society and how the Industrial Revolution shaped London's urban landscape and cultural atmosphere.
Explore Dickens' life and how the historical context of his time influenced his writing style and character creation.
Lesson 6: Great Expectations I
Introduction to the story background and character settings of Dickens' Great Expectations.
Lesson 7: Great Expectations II
In-depth analysis of the characters Pip and Miss Havisham, their personalities, and their transformations within the story.
Explore how the characters' changes reflect the core themes and social issues of the work.
Lesson 8: Great Expectations III
Analyse the significance of Great Expectations in a modern context.
Discuss the reasons for its status as a literary classic.
Part III: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a classic children's literary work by British author Lewis Carroll. The story tells of Alice's encounters in a fantastical wonderland and portrays numerous eccentric characters. While inspiring children's imagination, this children's literary work also contains deep philosophical thinking, inviting adult readers to explore themselves.
Lesson 9: Introduction to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Introduction to the life and background of author Lewis Carroll.
Dig deeper into the underlying meanings of the story, prompting students to reconsider whether this work is simply a children's book.
Learn about popular phrases derived from this book (such as "to go down the rabbit hole").
Lesson 10: Summary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Discuss the plot and character development, and share students' thoughts and takeaways.
Summary of the last 10 weeks.
💡To fully appreciate the richness of these three literary classics, we strongly encourage students to watch film adaptations in their own time. These visual versions not only make the storylines easier to follow but also bring the characters and emotions to life in a vivid and memorable way.
You can find free stage or TV adaptations online, or choose to purchase or rent high-quality films on streaming platforms for an enhanced viewing experience.
Join us on a journey into the fascinating world of classic British literature!
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