How to Read a Novel
By Coursera
on Coursera
· Music
About This Course
What makes a great novel? How is a novel woven together? How can we best appreciate works of fiction? Answer these questions and more with this course from The University of Edinburgh. On the course you’ll discover four of the main building blocks of modern fiction: plot, characterisation, dialogue, and setting using examples from a range of texts including the four novels shortlisted for the 2025 James Tait Black fiction prize. You’ll also explore the formal strategies authors use, how they came to be, and how they affect us as readers. Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course.
Instructor
Hannah Boast
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does How to Read a Novel cost?
Visit the How to Read a Novel course page for current pricing and available discounts.
Who teaches How to Read a Novel?
How to Read a Novel is taught by Hannah Boast, The University of Edinburgh.
What skill level is How to Read a Novel for?
This course is designed for all levels learners.