Languages
Telling stories: the novel and beyond
How have writers chosen to tell their stories, and why? What techniques do they use to make us believe in the reality of the worlds they create? If you're interested in finding out in depth about how literature works this module is for you. You'll read gripping stories from across literary history, from Shakespeare to science fiction, from Thomas Hardy to Arundhati Roy, with a particular focus on nineteenth- and twentieth-century novels. This will develop your understanding of key techniques and devices used by writers, as you investigate the historical contexts behind their work and discover new ways of understanding literature.
History & The Arts
Ten top tips for writing a novel
Got a novel bursting to get out? These tips from novelist and lecturer Sally O'Reilly may surprise you...
History & The Arts
National Novel Writing Month
You know how they say everyone's got a novel in them, just waiting to be written? Well now's your chance! Join writers all over the world as they write 50k words in a month as part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), here are our top tips and tricks to get a head start.
History & The Arts
Approaching prose fiction
Do you want to get more out of your reading? This free course, Approaching prose fiction, is designed to develop the analytical skills you need for a more in-depth study of literary texts. You will learn about narrative events and perspectives, the setting of novels, types of characterisation and genre.
History & The Arts
Explore our English literature free courses
Read a great novel and want to explore it further? Check out our free courses on the wonderful world of English literature.
History & The Arts
Charles Dickens: Celebrity Author
Over 200 years since he was born Charles Dickens remains a literary icon. In fact, he was one of the first superstars - discover how he cultivated his work into a cult of personality.
History & The Arts
What is the relationship between history and historical fiction?
Two authors who tell stories about the past come together to compare notes.
History & The Arts
Desert Island Discs at 75: An OpenLearn listening list
This weekend, BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs celebrates its 75th anniversary. Join us for a rummage in the archives.
History & The Arts
Baker Street half-baked: Is Sherlock part of a new anti-intellectualism?
Is the 21st Century version of the great detective designed to make thinking less threatening? Christopher Pittard thinks so.
History & The Arts
Killed by Agatha Christie: Strychnine and the detective novel
In the first Poirot book, the murderer's weapon of choice is the bitter poison strychnine. The scientist, writer and poison expert Deborah Blum reopens the case.
History & The Arts
Island adventures
Hear about the children's books which inspired Swallows and Amazons.
History & The Arts
The real Swallows
See the draft of Swallows and Amazons and hear about the children’s characters.