This solo term will take place over 12 weeks; starting on Monday 12th January 2026 and will conclude on Monday 30th March 2026, between 5pm-6:30pm.

Join Dr Simon Gregor for a new 12-week literature study group. Each term, we will focus on a different work from novels to plays and poetry. You can choose to participate based on your interests and availability, with no requirement to join every term. The goal is to offer a broad selection of texts to appeal to a wide range of readers.

To complement the dark wintry nights, we will begin our new year term with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein - a groundbreaking novel that blends Gothic horror with profound philosophical questions. First published in 1818, Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist whose ambition to create life leads to devastating consequences. Far more than just a tale of horror, at its heart this novel explores themes of creation and responsibility, isolation and belonging, and the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Each week, we will meet for a 90-minute session to discuss a few chapters at a time, allowing for a thoughtful and engaging reading pace. Together, we’ll delve into the novel’s complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the enduring relevance of Shelley’s vision in our modern world.

Each session will include a short lecture-style introduction, but the primary focus will be on group discussion and close analysis of the text. The format is designed to encourage thoughtful conversation and active participation.

If you need to miss a week, recordings will be made available so you can catch up at your convenience. Please note that you will need your own copy of the book for the course.

Course Information and Price

• The course costs £180 for twelve 90-minute sessions.

• This includes weekly Zoom meetings, access to recordings, and any additional resources or handouts.

• The course is structured for adult learners and aims to be both informative and enjoyable, combining structured teaching with space for open discussion.

Zoom and Recordings

• All sessions will take place via Zoom. Please keep the Zoom link private and do not share it with others.

• If you are unable to attend a live session or would like to review the material later, recordings will be sent via email within 48 hours and will remain available for at least 14 days after each session.

Course Texts

• You will need your own copy of the book for the course.

Disclaimer and Consent

• By enrolling in the course, you consent to being recorded during each session. These recordings will be shared only with course participants and are intended to support your learning by allowing you to revisit the material.

• You also agree to have your name and email address shared with Simon, who will use this information solely to send relevant course updates and materials. No other personal information will be shared.

Information documents including Zoom log in details will be included at the bottom of your confirmation email after you have registered. 

(If you do not receive a confirmation email please check your spam/junk email boxes or sign into the 'Your Account' section of our website to retrieve all of your booking and course information)