Reading Round

Course Times & Enrolment

Mondays from 30th October 2023 (Code LI020-104) Mondays from
30th October 2023 11:10am - 1:00pm • (5 classes) LG46 Paterson's Land, Holyrood Campus • Tutor: Regi Claire Butlin

This course is now closed for enrolments

Mondays from 15th January 2024 (Code LI020-204) Mondays from
15th January 2024 11:10am - 1:00pm • (5 classes) G38 Paterson's Land, Holyrood Campus • Tutor: Regi Claire Butlin

This course is now closed for enrolments

Mondays from 15th April 2024 (Code LI020-303) Mondays from
15th April 2024 11:10am - 1:00pm • (5 classes) G38 Paterson's Land, Holyrood Campus • Tutor: Regi Claire Butlin

This course is now closed for enrolments

Course Summary

Inspired by an approach developed by the Royal Literary Fund, this course offers participants the chance to read, listen to and discuss short fiction, non-fiction (and poetry). Uniquely for a reading group, there is no homework. Each week, the tutor provides photocopies of a text (a story, an essay and sometimes a poem) and reads it aloud to the class. This is followed by an in-depth discussion exploring the techniques used by the writer, and the effects they produce. Guided by the tutor, participants look under the bonnet, as it were, and see how a story, essay (or poem) works. All that is required is a willingness to be open to new ideas. This class provides a valuable opportunity to meet with other book lovers in a friendly, stimulating and relaxed environment.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge is needed.

Content of Course

Each week, the tutor will read a text aloud to the group (hard copies will also be provided), which will form the basis of discussion. Points of discussion will include characterisation, tone, mood, form and imagery. This class provides a valuable opportunity to meet with other book lovers in a friendly, stimulating and relaxed environment.

Teaching method(s)

Teaching method will be a combination of lecture and interactive discussion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

Engage in close reading of short, self-contained texts, identifying literary techniques and using recognised terminology;
Practise active listening skills;
Construct arguments and communicate these verbally.

Sources

Core Readings

No preparation required.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.