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ENG381Arts3 Unitsintermediate

The English Novel

This course explores the development of the English Novel from its origins to the present day. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the themes, styles, and socio-political influences that have shaped the works of major English novelists. Students will analyze selected novels, examining their historical context and cultural significance. The course aims to enhance students' critical thinking and analytical skills through close reading and interpretation of literary texts.

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26h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
English NovelThemesStylesNovelistsSocio-political Influences

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of the English Novel

2

Origin of the English Novel

3

Rise of the English Novel

4

Major English Novelists

5

Realism and the Novel

6

Legitimacy of the Novel

7

18th Century English Novels

8

Victorian Novels

9

20th Century Novels

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Literary Critic

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PublishingEducationJournalismMediaContent Creation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The English Novel

2h

Unit 1: Definition of the English Novel

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction to understand the scope of the English novel.
  • •Define prose, fiction, and the novel.
  • •Explain the relationship between the novel and narrative.
  • •Differentiate between prose and narrative.
  • •Define the novel as a genre of literature.
Week
2

Module 1: The English Novel

2h

Unit 2: Origin of the English Novel

2 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of the English novel.
  • •List some of the earliest fictional works that preceded the novel.
  • •Differentiate between the novel and other fictional works.
  • •Determine the generally accepted early novel.
Week
3

Module 1: The English Novel

2h

Unit 3: The Rise of the English Novel

2 study hours
  • •Trace the development of the English novel.
  • •List the factors that contributed to the rise of the English novel.
  • •Discuss the contributions of each factor, including romance, literacy, and the printing press.
Week
4

Module 1: The English Novel

2h

Unit 4: Major English Novelists

2 study hours
  • •Identify some of the earliest English novelists.
  • •List some of the earliest English novels.
  • •Discuss their contribution to the development of the English novel.
  • •Discuss the various themes and styles of the earliest English novels.
Week
5

Module 2: The First English Novels

2h

Unit 1: Legitimacy of the Novel

2 study hours
  • •Identify some first English fiction writers.
  • •List some of their works.
  • •Explain why scholars do not regard these works as novels.
  • •Review the criteria that determine what the novel should be.
Week
6

Module 2: The First English Novels

2h

Unit 2: Realism and the Novel

2 study hours
  • •Define the novel Realism.
  • •Explain Realism.
  • •Discuss Realism in a novel.
  • •Identify elements of realism in a novel.
Week
7

Module 2: The First English Novels

2h

Unit 3: John Bunyan – Pilgrim's Progress (1678)

2 study hours
  • •Narrate the story of Pilgrim's Progress.
  • •List and analyse its major characters.
  • •Discuss the thematic preoccupation of the work.
  • •Explain why it is not classified as a novel.
Week
8

Module 2: The First English Novels

2h

Unit 4: Jonathan Swift – Gulliver's Travels (1705)

2 study hours
  • •Outline the plot of the work.
  • •List some of the characters.
  • •Discuss the theme and setting of the novel.
  • •Relate the story to contemporary experience.
  • •Explain why the text is not considered as a novel.
Week
9

Module 3: The 18th Century English Novels

2h

Unit 1: Background and Influences

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the background of 18th Century England.
  • •Contextualise the influence of the Age on the development of the English Novel.
Week
10

Module 3: The 18th Century English Novels

2h

Unit 2: Daniel Defoe – Robinson Crusoe (1719)

2 study hours
  • •Discuss Daniel Defoe as an 18th Century novelist.
  • •Analyse Robinson Crusoe as the first English Novel.
  • •Examine the plot, themes and characterisation in Robinson Crusoe.
Week
11

Module 3: The 18th Century English Novels

2h

Unit 3: Samuel Richardson – Pamela (1740)

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the epistolary novels.
  • •Mention Samuel Richardson's contribution to the development of the English Novel.
  • •Discuss the plot of Pamela.
  • •Examine the themes of the novel Pamela.
Week
12

Module 3: The 18th Century English Novels

2h

Unit 4: Henry Fielding – Tom Jones (1749)

2 study hours
  • •Emphasise the contribution of Henry Fielding to the development of the English novel.
  • •List the major characters in the novel.
  • •Discuss the theme of the novel.
  • •Present the plot of the novel.
  • •Mention at least two latter novelists influenced by Fielding.
Week
13

Module 4: Victorian Novels

2h

Unit 1: Background and Influences

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the Victorian Age.
  • •Relate the historical events to the development of the English novel.
  • •Highlight the influence of the Age on some novelists.
  • •Mention some novelists of the period.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of major English novelists and their key works, noting their historical context.

2

Develop summaries of each selected novel, focusing on plot, themes, and character analysis.

3

Practice essay questions that require comparing and contrasting different novelists or literary periods.

4

Review tutor-marked assignments and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

5

Focus on understanding the socio-political influences on each novelist and their works.

6

Create concept maps linking key themes and styles across different novels and periods.

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