how to (re)learn literary analysis
a self-taught course on being a better critical reader
I’ve been loving this trend where people their monthly curriculums on TikTok, so much so that I’ve decided to embrace my own love to learning and start a self-taught course on literary analysis.
I’m a year out of my 22-year-long run as a student and fully convinced I have the right degrees and certifications that prove that I know how to be a student on my own terms. I’m also a proud nerd with an ever-growing list of topics that I want to master one day. So to start this new journey, I’m going back to my roots — literature.
This skill is probably the most applicable to me because I read almost every day. I doubt I’ll be close reading and analyzing every single book I read, I’d love to (re)learn these skills. And I know there’s a more informed way to describe Chapter 35 of N.K. Jemisin’s The Killing Moon other than as a literary masterpiece — although that feels sufficient in my humble opinion.
Below you’ll find a general overview of a literary analysis course I’m creating for myself and a free notion template for my fellow self learners.
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the course — literary analysis
DISCLAIMER: I am a lifelong learning, not a teacher. I do have a master’s degree so that does, in some cases, make me qualified to teach, but I have not done so. I just love a syllabus and I love to study.
objectives
understand the basic principles of literature & literary analysis
closely read, interpret, and analyze literature
write compelling literary analysis pertaining to race and gender
learning material
I’ve been relying on YouTube and Google to source my “lecture” material. There is a lot of wrong information online so I’m prioritizing resources from universities, college professors, teachers, and other reputable sources (so no Wikipedia, personal blogs, or sketchy websites).
Here are a few resources I’ve used so far to get an idea:
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Awesome Literary Analysis, Good Morning Mr. D — YouTube Playlist
The Critical Reader’s Toolkit, UT English — YouTube Playlist
A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis, The Writing Center at University of Wisconsin-Madison — Online article
assignments
DISCLOSURE: I am Bookshop affiliate and will earn a commission if you click a book link and make a purchase.
create a close reading toolkit/guide
analyze two poems (TBD)
analyze two scenes/chapters in a book
James by Percival Everett — Part 2, Chapter 8
The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin — Chapter 35
analyze three novels (one for character, setting, & plot; one for conflict & themes; one for author’s craft and literary devices)
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe OR Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (reread)
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
schedule
I’m bad with giving myself deadlines so this course will continue until I feel I’ve learned all I can. Since starting, I spend most of my evenings on YouTube and Google searching topics I’m interested in knowing more about — the basics of literary analysis, literary devices, close reading tips, etc.
When I have time to learn, I do. If I don’t have time to learn, I try again the next day!
The beauty of teaching yourself is the freedom to move at your own pace and go in whatever direction you want. I didn’t have my entire outline or assignments ready before I started. I had a rough idea of what I wanted to learn and as I got through some of the basic learning material, I continued to build on what I had already.
Even as I’m writing this, everything isn’t solidified so don’t let the excuse of not having a concrete plan stop you from going on a self-learning journey.
notion template
Not interested in literary analysis, but still want to learn something new? Here’s a minimalist notion template for designing a self taught course.
This template is free of charge, but donations are highly encouraged!
Whether you need the structure of a month or three to complete a course or you prefer to spend an indiscriminate amount of time in a figurative classroom, I hope this inspires at least one of you to invest your time into learning something new. Happy studying!
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I only applied to one masters program. And I can already hear the panic coming from academics who believe in applying to as many programs as possible to have Plan B, C, D, E, F, and G in case Plan A doesn’t work out. I don’t believe in Plan B, C, D, E, F, G, etc. so I went into my application process thinking, “If it’s God’s will, I’ll get into this pro…
Thank you for sharing this! I, too, have been enjoying the trend of watching people start or continue their self learning journey. I’ve been thinking about (re)learning literary analysis recently, so I’m going to take this as my sign to make that my next study topic after I feel I’ve learned the basics on Quantum Mechanics!
Oh wow I didn't know this was a growing trend lol. I started to build out my own curriculum for literary analysis and art months ago!