The Monthly Read: In and Out of Africa

Meet for 3 classes over 3 months (22/01/2026, 19/02/2026 and 19/03/2026).

The Monthly Read celebrates the pleasures of reading and discussing books. In each session explore one novel linked to the course theme.

In this iteration of the Monthly Read the theme will be: In and Out of Africa, and the three novels for discussion are:

• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad  
• Out of Africa by Karen Blixen  
• Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah 

You will engage with literary elements including plot, structure, characterisation, setting, dialogue, and narration, as well as the novel’s contextual influences such as historical, social, and political environments. 

Pre-reading the selected books is essential if learners are to fully participate. Please do not purchase any texts until the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.   

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:  

• Share ideas and arguments about texts, using recognised literary terminology to analyse and articulate the effectiveness of various narrative tools like setting, characterisation, and dialogue;
• Critically compare texts to identify and discuss common themes and conventions of genre;
• Contextualise texts within their historical, political, and social environments, appreciating how these factors influence narrative strategies and themes. 

No prior knowledge is required.  

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.  

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.