In the words of C.S. Lewis, ‘Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.’
The English Literature Summer School is an opportunity for like-minded students aged 15-18 to indulge their passion for literature and explore some of the most exciting and challenging ideas in contemporary literary theory. Each part of the course consists of a structured five-day programme taught by expert postgraduate tutors.
The English Summer School – Part 1 will cover literature dating from 650 to 1790, including Middle English, Medieval Literature, Chaucer, The Renaissance, Shakespeare, Restoration Literature and the Rise of the Novel. As part of this course, students will explore Historicist and Feminist critical approaches.
The English Summer School – Part 2 will cover literature dating from 1790 to 2017, including Romanticism and the Gothic Movement, Victorian Sensation Novels, Literature and the British Empire, Modernism, and Postmodernism. As part of this course, students will explore Postcolonial criticism and the ‘Death of the Author’.
The English Summer School – Part 3 will cover Contemporary English Literature, including prose fiction, poetry and drama. As part of this course, students will explore psychoanalytic criticism and theories of the canon.
Please note that although the courses complement one another, they can also be treated as stand-alone events, and there is no requirement to have attended Part 1 in order to register for other Parts of the course.
Classes are small, typically containing twelve to fourteen students, all of whom should have a passion for Literature, a curiosity to build on their existing knowledge and a desire to embrace and exchange new ideas. The tutors for the course range widely in their specialisms, from Medieval folk tales to Renaissance drama to contemporary criticism. This ensures that students will benefit from the broadest possible range of perspectives and approaches. Literary theory and criticism will play an important role in each session, 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.
Feedback from previous students
‘This was such an amazing course! I think the thing that made it so enjoyable were the staff running it. Although challenging, the course opened my eyes to a whole different perspective on literature – and the speakers really helped me to understand some of the harder texts. I would definitely recommend this course as it is worth every minute.’
‘I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone doing A-Level English or considering studying English at University. The week left me feeling inspired and wanting to learn more about the subject areas we covered, most of which are not even touched upon at school. The teachers encouraged us to discuss theories and philosophies of literature that piqued our interests, and several of these debates spilled over into lunchtime and even after class! The other students were friendly and easy to get along with. I went home feeling equally uplifted and educated by my time here… Thank you to everyone for making the experience so enjoyable!’
‘The Debate Chamber Summer School was a fantastic experience and one well worth applying for. Not only was it made thoroughly enjoyable by the effort and expertise of the tutors, but will undoubtedly prove invaluable in the future when drawing on the variety of skills learnt.’
‘I found this Summer School immensely enjoyable and extremely beneficial to my English studies. I knew before attending this course I wanted to study English Literature at university, but this informed me greatly of older literature (such as Old English, Medieval literature and the rise of the novel) as well as explaining fascinating literary criticism such as new historicism. I also met some lovely people who I hope to stay in contact with. I can’t recommend this course enough! If you have a passion for analysing and discussing the best texts in the English language, then you will relish this summer school.’
How can my students attend?
The English Literature Summer School will be held at University of London venues in Bloomsbury, Central London, and is open to students aged 15 – 18.
Part 1 will take place on the 24th – 28th July, Part 2 will take place on the 31st July – 4th August and Part 3 will take place on the 7th – 11th August 2017.
You can find full details of schedules, dates, costs, student reviews and tutors at https://debatechamber.com/
To book a place please visit https://debatechamber.com/