English Literature Summer School
An exciting opportunity for students with a passion for literature to discover a range of new authors and texts, and explore fresh approaches to familiar works.
Thematic coverage by period, combining close study of texts with lectures on historical and cultural context, and setting major authors side-by-side with less familiar works, will help students to appreciate the development of prose, verse and drama in English from the middle ages to the present day. We will not only engage in close textual analysis of Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Modernist and Contemporary poets, but also evaluate these movements in the light of the poets’ own critical writing. In drama, we will compare playscripts to film adaptations, read through sections of the works using different performance theories, and attend a performance of Richard III at the Globe theatre. Literary theory and criticism will play an important role in the summer School, and students will be invited to examine texts they have studied in the light of competing theories of the nature and value of literature and the role of the critic. We will look in particular at Feminist, Historicist and Deconstructivist approaches to literature.
The tutors for the course range widely in their specialisms, from Medieval folk tales to Renaissance drama to contemporary criticism. This ensures that over the course of the five days students will benefit from the broadest possible range of perspectives and approaches.
See a schedule for the course here.
Download a poster to display in your school here.
University of London Union• 30th July – 3rd August (waiting list only) and repeated 13th – 17th August (places available) • 5 days • open to students aged 15-18.
You might also be interested in our Creative Writing Summer School.
Feedback from previous English Literature events – read more here:
“Very interesting. It explored English in ways that I had never thought about before.”
“The tutors showed huge passion and listened to and reflected ideas well.”
“Fab! Really interesting––great insight into aspects of English not covered by AS/A2 courses.”
“I liked the seminar format. It allowed everyone to contribute without putting people under pressure. The supporting material and further reading lists also looked really interesting.”
“I really enjoyed it; it gave a real sense of what the course would be like. The lectures were really good too.”
“Absolutely brilliant––I learnt so much, speakers were stimulating and it was great to be amongst other people who are genuinely enthusiastic about the same thing.”
“I found this course very insightful and interesting. I’d definitely do it again given the chance!”
Book a place:
The price of the English Summer School is £360 per student for five days. Please note that accommodation is not included, and must be arranged independently if required. Bookings for any event may be made by individual students or parents or through the school. To book a place or places at the English Summer School, or if you have any further questions, simply call on 0845 519 4827, email info@debatechamber.com, or use the form below.
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you are applying for a bursary please do not complete this form, but instead complete the ‘Bursary Application Form’ here.