his module takes a topical approach to literature. There are four blocks, each devoted to a key topic and a wide-ranging selection of set texts. You’ll develop skills in analysing literary features, including narrative structure, characterisation, dialogue, and metaphor, equipping you with the skills you’ll need for English Literature at OU level 3. You’ll also encounter some key contemporary themes in literary study, including postcolonialism and ecocriticism (the study of literature and the environment). There is a substantial Independent Study component, enabling you to reflect on literature and its place in the world and develop your critical skills.
Block 1: Literature, Identity, and Representation
This first part of the module deals with the topic of identity. It asks the question—can literature represent us?
You’ll read:
Block 2: Literature and the Environment
This block covers the vast and fascinating topic of how literature represents the natural world. It asks the key question—can literature help us understand our relationship with the natural environment?
In this block, you’ll study:
Block 3: Literature, Power, and Politics
This part of the module is all about how literature relates to power. The following three texts you’ll read each relate to the key question – can literature write back to power?
Block 4: Literature, Escape, and the Imagination
This final block examines how and to what ends literature can reimagine reality. In doing so, it asks the question—how does literature open up new worlds and possibilities?
You’ll study:
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You will receive four printed module books, each with an introduction that unpacks key issues and in-depth, illustrated chapters devoted to each set text. You’ll have access to online content produced especially for this module. The module website includes:
You will also have access to the OU Library’s comprehensive range of eBooks, databases, and online resources to support your study.
Set books:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
A240 is a compulsory module in our:
A240 is an option module in our:
Literature matters starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2035.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This is an OU level 2 module and builds on the OU level 1 modules Discovering the arts and humanities (A111) and Cultures (A112). These modules include an English Literature component and develop skills such as logical thinking, clear expression, essay writing and the ability to select and interpret relevant materials that you will need to progress to studying English Literature at OU level 2.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Before you commence the module, you will find it useful to read and participate in the English Subject Forums, which contain links to resources highly relevant to OU level 2 English study, including bridging materials between OU levels 1 and 2.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying A240 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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