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Classic Detective Fiction

Develop detailed knowledge of one of the most popular and widely read literary sub-genres of crime fiction

536 enrolled on this course

Classic Detective Fiction
  • Duration3 weeks
  • Weekly study3 hours
  • 100% onlineTry this course for free
  • Extra BenefitsFrom $59Find out more
Overview
Topics
Start dates
Requirements
Educators
This course is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in Bachelor of Arts.

Are you the next Hercule Poirot? A budding Sherlock Holmes? Embrace your inner Dick Tracy and dive into the world of detective fiction!

Explore the back-stories of some of the earliest examples of crime fiction

This course delves deep into the evolution of the crime fiction genre from the early nineteenth century to the present day with a focus on detective novels. Many of these novels shaped the way we think about reading, and have engaged generations of readers from childhood through to our twilight years.

Did you know that over 2 billion copies of Agatha Christie’s detective novels are estimated to have been sold? [1]

On this course you will develop advanced skills in analysing and contextualising crime fiction texts from the UK, the US, Australia and beyond.

Join us and embark on the fascinating tale behind the twist.

What topics will you cover?

  • The early history of detective fiction
  • Detective fiction sub-genres
  • Reading detective fiction
  • Plots and narrative structures
  • Classic detective fiction devices

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Discuss the history of crime fiction and some of the key crime fiction subgenres.
  • Explore the key formal, thematic and contextual characteristic of individual crime fiction texts.
  • Investigate crime fiction texts in relation to their genre and the idea of genre evolution.

Who is the course for?

This course is made for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of crime fiction.

Avid readers and true crime connoisseurs should find a lot to engage them here.

Who will you learn with?

JG

Jesper Gulddal

Who developed the course?

The University of Newcastle Australia

The University of Newcastle is a world-class university distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Ranked in Australia’s Top 10 universities, and 197th in the world (QS rankings, 2021).

  • Established1965
  • LocationNewcastle, Australia
  • World rankingTop 200Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

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