Introductory · Humanities

Introduction to Literature

Read fiction, poetry and drama with a critic’s eye: close reading, the elements of each genre, critical approaches and writing a strong literary argument.

Course by Prof. Claire DonovanVerified creator
5 chapters15 lessons2 hr 5 min15 quick checks
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How this course works

The chapters and lessons below are the fixed course structure. When you start, LearnLive teaches each lesson interactively and adapts examples, pacing, and questions to you.

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

  1. 01

    Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

    Reading Literature

    1. 1.1

      Why literature matters

      8 min · Quick check

    2. 1.2

      Close reading

      9 min · Quick check

    3. 1.3

      Theme & interpretation

      8 min · Quick check

  2. 02

    Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

    Fiction

    1. 2.1

      Plot & structure

      8 min · Quick check

    2. 2.2

      Character & point of view

      9 min · Quick check

    3. 2.3

      Setting & symbolism

      8 min · Quick check

  3. 03

    Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

    Poetry

    1. 3.1

      Imagery & figurative language

      9 min · Quick check

    2. 3.2

      Sound, meter & form

      8 min · Quick check

    3. 3.3

      Reading a poem closely

      8 min · Quick check

  4. 04

    Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

    Drama

    1. 4.1

      Elements of drama

      8 min · Quick check

    2. 4.2

      Tragedy & comedy

      9 min · Quick check

    3. 4.3

      Reading a play

      8 min · Quick check

  5. 05

    Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

    Writing & Criticism

    1. 5.1

      Critical approaches

      9 min · Quick check

    2. 5.2

      Writing about literature

      8 min · Quick check

    3. 5.3

      Crafting a literary argument

      8 min · Quick check

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