English Literature

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A brief history of the devilSatan, the beast crunching sinners' bones. Lucifer, the fallen angel. Mephistopheles, the trickster striking deals. These three divergent devils are all based on Satan of the Old Testament. But unlike any of these literary devils, the Satan of the Bible was a relatively minor character. So how did he become the ultimate antagonist, with so many different forms? Brian A. Pavlac investigates. [Directed by Reza Riahi & Mehdi Shiri, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by André Aires].

Why language is humanity's greatest inventionCivilization rests upon the existence of language, says language creator David Peterson. In a talk that's equal parts passionate and hilarious, he shows how studying, preserving and inventing new languages helps us understand our collective humanity -- and gives a quick lesson on High Valyrian, one of two languages he created for "Game of Thrones" (along with Dothraki). "Language is not merely a tool," he says. "It is our legacy, it's our way of conveying what it means to be human."

What reading slowly taught me about writingReading slowly -- with her finger running beneath the words, even when she was taught not to -- has led Jacqueline Woodson to a life of writing books to be savored. In a lyrical talk, she invites us to slow down and appreciate stories that take us places we never thought we'd go and introduce us to people we never thought we'd meet. "Isn't that what this is all about -- finding a way, at the end of the day, to not feel alone in this world, and a way to feel like we've changed it before we leave?" she asks.

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Watch past Literature lectures from Gresham College.

Watch TEDtalks on Literature.

Check out TED Ed's Reading Between the Lines playlist.

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Resources for English Literature | libraryA guide to the some of the resources available for English Literature students at CCCU

The Year's Work in Critical and Cultural Theory | Oxford Academic

Hay Player

Enjoy the world’s great thinkers and writers on film and audio

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The History of Literature

38 of the best literary podcasts for book lovers

The Great BooksListen to The Great Books podcast by National Review. The best podcasts in the UK.

On the Road with Penguin Classics – UK Podcasts

Poetry Magazine

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The 100 best novels written in English: the full listRobert McCrum has reached a verdict on his selection of the 100 greatest novels written in English. Take a look at his list

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Click on the button to the right to sign in to your School's online classroom for transition, where you have access to additional resources such as PiXL.

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