Week 1:
Session 1: Introduction to English Literature

• What is literature? Overview of literary genres: poetry, prose, drama
• Key elements of literary analysis: theme, plot, character, setting
• Introduction to classic vs. modern literature

Session 2: Understanding Literary Devices and Techniques

• Literary devices: metaphor, symbolism, imagery, irony
• How to identify and analyze literary techniques in texts
• Practice exercises with short passages

Week 2:
Session 1: Analyzing Poetry – Part 1

• Introduction to poetry analysis: structure, rhyme, meter
• Exploring famous poems from classic poets (e.g., William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson)
• Group discussion on poetic themes

Session 2: Analyzing Poetry – Part 2

• Analyzing modern poetry: free verse and contemporary styles
• Comparing classic and modern poetry
• Writing a short poetry analysis

Week 3:
Session 1: Exploring Prose: Short Stories

• Elements of short stories: plot, character development, conflict
• Reading and analyzing classic short stories (e.g., Edgar Allan Poe, O. Henry)
• Identifying themes and author’s purpose

Session 2: Modern Short Stories and Analysis

• Reading contemporary short stories
• Comparing themes, styles, and narrative techniques
• Group activity: Discussing character motivations and plot twists

Week 4:
Session 1: Introduction to Drama – Classic Plays

• Understanding the structure of plays: acts, scenes, dialogue
• Reading excerpts from classic plays (e.g., William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet)
• Analyzing character relationships and dramatic tension

Session 2: Modern Drama and Thematic Analysis

• Exploring modern plays and dramatic literature
• Comparing themes in classic and contemporary drama
• Role-play activity: Performing scenes to understand character dynamics

Week 5:
Session 1: The Art of Literary Criticism

• Introduction to literary theories: formalism, feminism, post-colonialism
• How to apply critical theories to literary texts
• Analyzing a short story using a literary lens

Session 2: Developing Critical Thinking Through Literature

• How to form strong arguments in literary analysis
• Identifying biases and assumptions in literary interpretation
• Group debate on different interpretations of a text

Week 6:
Session 1: Academic Writing for Literature – Part 1

• Structure of a literary analysis essay: introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion
• How to develop a thesis statement and support it with evidence
• Practice writing introductory paragraphs

Session 2: Academic Writing for Literature – Part 2

• Using quotations and textual evidence effectively
• Avoiding common mistakes in literary essays
• Peer review and feedback on sample essays

Week 7:
Session 1: In-Depth Analysis of a Novel (Classic)

• Reading selected chapters from a classic novel (e.g., Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
• Analyzing characters, themes, and historical context
• Group discussion on key literary elements

Session 2: In-Depth Analysis of a Novel (Modern)

• Reading selected chapters from a modern novel (e.g., The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini)
• Comparing literary styles between classic and modern works
• Writing a short response paper on character development

Week 8:
Session 1: Final Literary Analysis Project (Group Work)

• Group presentations on assigned literary topics
• Analyzing themes, symbols, and character arcs
• Peer feedback and discussion

Session 2: Course Review and Final Reflections

• Recap of key literary concepts and skills learned
• Final Q&A and reflective discussion
• Tips for continued literary exploration beyond the course