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Benjamin Bateman
What makes a great novel? How is a novel woven together? How can we best appreciate works of fiction?
Answer these questions and more with this course from The University of Edinburgh.
On the course you’ll discover four of the main building blocks of modern fiction: plot, characterisation, dialogue, and setting using examples from a range of texts including the four novels shortlisted for the 2024 James Tait Black fiction prize. You’ll also explore the formal strategies authors use, how they came to be, and how they affect us as readers.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/xupg86/how
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What's inside
Syllabus
Plot
Characterisation
Dialogue
Read more
Syllabus
Plot
Characterisation
Dialogue
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers essential elements of fiction and how they impact readers' understanding
Prior knowledge of fiction analysis techniques is recommended
Examples from shortlisted James Tait Black fiction prize novels provide relevant and current insights
Instructors Benjamin Bateman are recognized for their expertise in modern fiction
Suitable for learners interested in developing their understanding and appreciation of fiction
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Reviews summary
Unlocking novel reading appreciation
According to students, this course offers an incredibly insightful and well-structured approach to understanding the novel. Learners consistently praise the instructor's passion and clarity, which helps demystify literary concepts like plot, characterisation, dialogue, and setting. The use of current, well-chosen examples, including those from the James Tait Black fiction prize, is a significant positive. While many find it enhances their reading experience profoundly, some more experienced readers note it might be too introductory for those with advanced literary backgrounds. Overall, it's highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of fiction.
Ideal for general readers; may be too basic for advanced literary students.
"While it's great for broadening appreciation, I felt it could have gone a bit deeper for someone with some prior literary studies."
"Honestly, I found this course too superficial. As someone with an English literature degree, I didn't learn much new."
"Still, highly recommend for casual readers."
"It feels designed for absolute beginners."
Concepts are broken down effectively, and the course structure is logical.
"The breakdown of plot, character, dialogue, and setting using current examples... was incredibly insightful."
"The structure is logical, building from basic elements to a richer understanding."
"A very solid introduction to literary analysis. I particularly enjoyed the modules on characterisation and dialogue."
Instructor praised for expertise, passion, and clear explanations.
"The instructor's passion for literature was infectious, and I found myself looking at novels in a completely new way."
"The professor explains complex ideas clearly, and the chosen examples are perfect."
"A beautifully crafted course! The instructor is fantastic – articulate, engaging, and clearly an expert."
Course significantly enhances how learners appreciate and engage with novels.
"It truly enhanced my reading experience."
"I now pay so much more attention to the craft!"
"This course really 'opened' novels for me."
"Enjoyed the course and the way it made me think about novels differently."
Some lectures felt slow; the course leans more theoretical than practical.
"The content was interesting, but I found some of the lectures a bit slow."
"I was hoping for more practical tips on *how* to actively read, beyond just understanding the components."
"Good for theory, less for direct application."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in How to Read a Novel with these
activities:
Review Literary Devices
Show steps
Reviewing literary devices will prepare you to identify them in the works studied in this course
Show steps
-
Review notes from a previous literature course.
-
Read articles or blog posts about common literary devices.
-
Take a practice quiz on literary devices.
Compile review notes
Show steps
Reviewing notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you prepare for the course
Show steps
-
Compile notes by subtopics
-
Review notes and identify gaps in understanding.
-
Complete practice problems
Review Modern Novels
Show steps
Reading modern novels will provide you with insights into the form and function of this genre of literature
View
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Select a modern novel to read.
-
Read the novel, taking notes on elements like character development, plot development, and setting.
-
Write a short review of the novel, discussing your thoughts on these elements.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Expand your comprehension of plot development
Show steps
Following tutorials on building plot will aid you in understanding the material taught in class
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
-
Find step by step tutorials online at sites like Skillshare or Udemy.
-
Watch and take notes on how to create a storyboard.
-
Apply your new knowledge to one of the books in the reading list.
Character Analysis Collaborative
Show steps
Working with a peer will allow you to exchange ideas about the characters chosen for the course and will deepen your understanding.
Show steps
-
Connect with a classmate
-
Select one of the James Tait Black nominated books to read.
-
Meet for one to two hours each week to discuss the characters.
Build a World
Show steps
Building a world for your story will give you a solid foundation for plot and character development
Browse courses on
Setting
Show steps
-
Find inspiration for your world in media you consume or from the world around you.
-
Map out the physical, social, and political aspects of your world.
-
Create a presentation or document summarizing your world.
Practice Building Plot
Show steps
Practice creates skill; practicing building plots will develop your ability to create stronger plots
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
-
Brainstorm story ideas.
-
Create a plot outline for each idea.
-
Write a short story based on your favorite plot outline.
Develop a Dialogue-Driven Scene
Show steps
Dialogue is an important part of any novel. Getting practice will enable you to create believable and engaging dialogue
Browse courses on
Dialogue
Show steps
-
Brainstorm two characters with contrasting personalities.
-
Write a scene in which these characters have a conversation on a topic of your choice.
-
Read your scene aloud and listen for natural-sounding dialogue.
Review Literary Devices
Show steps
Reviewing literary devices will prepare you to identify them in the works studied in this course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from a previous literature course.
- Read articles or blog posts about common literary devices.
- Take a practice quiz on literary devices.
Compile review notes
Show steps
Reviewing notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you prepare for the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Compile notes by subtopics
- Review notes and identify gaps in understanding.
- Complete practice problems
Review Modern Novels
Show steps
Reading modern novels will provide you with insights into the form and function of this genre of literature
View
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a modern novel to read.
- Read the novel, taking notes on elements like character development, plot development, and setting.
- Write a short review of the novel, discussing your thoughts on these elements.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Expand your comprehension of plot development
Show steps
Following tutorials on building plot will aid you in understanding the material taught in class
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find step by step tutorials online at sites like Skillshare or Udemy.
- Watch and take notes on how to create a storyboard.
- Apply your new knowledge to one of the books in the reading list.
Character Analysis Collaborative
Show steps
Working with a peer will allow you to exchange ideas about the characters chosen for the course and will deepen your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Connect with a classmate
- Select one of the James Tait Black nominated books to read.
- Meet for one to two hours each week to discuss the characters.
Build a World
Show steps
Building a world for your story will give you a solid foundation for plot and character development
Browse courses on
Setting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find inspiration for your world in media you consume or from the world around you.
- Map out the physical, social, and political aspects of your world.
- Create a presentation or document summarizing your world.
Practice Building Plot
Show steps
Practice creates skill; practicing building plots will develop your ability to create stronger plots
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm story ideas.
- Create a plot outline for each idea.
- Write a short story based on your favorite plot outline.
Develop a Dialogue-Driven Scene
Show steps
Dialogue is an important part of any novel. Getting practice will enable you to create believable and engaging dialogue
Browse courses on
Dialogue
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm two characters with contrasting personalities.
- Write a scene in which these characters have a conversation on a topic of your choice.
- Read your scene aloud and listen for natural-sounding dialogue.
Career center
Learners who complete How to Read a Novel will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xupg86/how
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xupg86/how
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Rating
4.6
Effort
8 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of Edinburgh
Instructor
Benjamin Bateman
Language
English
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