Explore literature through the ages.

We've hand-picked a variety of English literature courses for you to choose from. Whether you are interested in twenty-first-century literature and culture, the tales of Babylon, or historical topics such as race and gender, we have a broad selection of literature that’s sure to suit a wide variety of tastes and interests.  

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You might be a newcomer to the world of literature and the great works of authors past and present, or perhaps you consider yourself somewhat of an expert. Whichever group you fall into, our friendly classes are the perfect environment to develop your skills and knowledge. Building on a curiosity or passion is what we do best! 

Enrol on a literature class near you  

Whether you prefer online learning from the comfort of your own home, or you want to attend an in-person class in your local community, we have a huge amount of flexibility to suit how you learn best. This means that you can pick the environment that’s right for you, giving you that piece of mind that you can learn in a place that you feel comfortable with. 

The support you’ll receive 

Our dedicated tutors will guide you through the different genres and time periods in English literature, helping you to develop your critical reading and analysis skills - perfect if you're a beginner.   

Our learning experience is one of the things that sets us apart, with many of our learners going on to achieve incredible things. You’ll learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you, with a friendly supportive tutor on hand to answer any questions you might have.  

Start your journey today and learn all about the works of Agatha Christie, Shakespeare and many, many more.  

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Literature: British novels of the 1960s

There is an energy and vitatlity about 1960s British fiction, with new developments in postcolonial fiction, spy fiction, science fiction and children’s fantasy. We begin with Alan Garner’s The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and end with 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. We’ll be able to share and debate interpretations, sharpen our critical and appreciative faculties, understand what fiction can tell us about the society and culture that produced it, and, hopefully, be inspired to read other works by the writers featured on the course.
Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 11/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Wesley Hall (Barnet)
High Barnet Methodist Church
9 Stapylton Road
Barnet
EN5 4JJ
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00021722
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Literature: The Literature of Uplift

In difficult times, literature can provide uplift and hope. Whether it is in descriptions of individual acts of kindness, a story of a quiet life which made a difference, a song, or a rallying cry to better our society, all sorts of texts can inspire us. In this course, we will be analysing and discussing together writings from a wide range of genres: novels, biography and autobiography, songs and poetry. We will be reflecting on humour, the portrayal of recovery, and works which give us an unsentimental hope for the future.
Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Newcastle Quaker Meeting House (Newcastl
West Avenue
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 4ES
Tutor:
Clare Jackson
Course code:
Q00021452
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Literature: Portraits of Society, 1954 – 1961 The Angry Decade? Barbara Pym, No Fond Return of Love

Explore the literature of the "Angry Decade" with a focus on Barbara Pym's No Fond Return of Love in our Literature: Portraits of Society, 1954 – 1961 The Angry Decade? course. Analyze the social themes and character studies that define this period. Ideal for literature enthusiasts and students of modern British history.
Dates:
Tue 01/07/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Times:
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Patrick O'Reilly
Course code:
Q00016890
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15