In the turbulent period between the two World Wars, writers took powerful risks. They challenged social conventions and created new forms of expression. Voices emerged which had previously been dismissed or silenced. In this course we will be analysing a range of texts from the 1920s and 1930s, and reflecting on how their authors broke ground. This course is for residents of the North of Tyne Combined Authority - Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland
Course aim
The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to discuss and analyse a wide range of literature written in English, focusing specifically on the context of each text and the writers' varying techniques.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- The course is open to anyone with an avid interest in literature. This course is for residents of the North of Tyne Combined Authority - Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Improve my capacity to analyse a range of literature.
- Improve my understanding of the context of a range of literature.
- Gain confidence in sharing my ideas in class discussion.
- Gain confidence in my ability to evaluate a piece of literature, and make my own judgement upon it.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- The teaching in this course is based on discussion and question and answer. You will be asked to do some reading in advance towards the end of the course, as we shall be studying a complete novel together.
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You can expect verbal feedback from the tutor during the progress of the course.
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to bring a pen and paper to each session. You will also need to get a copy of the set text, 'The Grapes of Wrath', by John Steinbeck.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- Each week's texts (apart from the set text) will be posted in advance of the session on Canvas. You will probably find it helpful to print these extracts out in advance, for ease of reading and annotation.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet







