Anyone studying literature through the OU?

[boundarybabe]

I'm thinking doing approaching literature in Oct, but TBH both 'The 19th Century Novel' and 'Children's Literature' inspire me much more - just the difference in the reading material TBH. I have level 1 points so I feel comfortable going in at level 2, but is there much of a difference in between level 2 and level 3? The workload doesn't bother me so much (I have all summer to read the texts), but those who have studied both, would you say there is a difference in the difficulty of the courses? level 3 appeals to me as I'd much rather do an extended TMA than an exam!

I have done both of these courses, (well, am half-way through Children's literature) and i definitely prefer this course! Although Approaching Lit is good, the Children's Lit seems slightly easier and more enjoyable!!

Thanks for answering - I can't help but think I would find children's lit easier simply because I love children's fiction and would gobble up the texts rather than having to plough through them IYSWIM.

I'm doing the 19th Century Novel at the moment. I didn't do Approaching Literature, but generally I have found, having done a number of Level 2 courses and several level 3 courses that Level 3 is a significant step up in terms of the complexity of the essay questions. I can't comment on the difference from Level 1 courses as I started with Level 2. You also need to be aware the 19th century novel is an examinable course. Right now, with three TMA's down and three to go I am managing the workload fine, but there is A LOT of reading to do for each essay and there will be shedloads of revision for the exam. I'm finding it really interesting though, so I don't mean to put you off.
I'm also doing Advanced Creative Writing this year which I am enjoying hugely.
Another warning - I did try to get on Children's Literature (instead of 19th Novel) but a few weeks before the course started there was a waiting list of 150, so book it early if you are going to do it. It sounds great though.

Thanks for all that firstlady.

I didn't know OU courses 'filled up', must bear that in mind.

The good thing about the children's lit course is that the blurb has advice for people who haven't studied literature before, so I'm guessing it's more accessible than the other level 3 courses. Must decide - just waiting for my Tesco reward vouchers to come through!

I have done approaching lit and also 19th c novel and currently doing children's lit. I have to say that lots of things I learned in approaching lit have been incredibly useful on level 3 courses. I would highly recommend it as it covers all areas - poetry, drama, novels etc and you may find you particularly like one area and want to specialise more. I would def go for approaching lit. 19th C lit has lots and lots of reading, but children's lit is far less (although the course is no easier because they're children's books )

Would agree with the others, there is usually a big step up from level 2 to 3 (I remember finding step from 1 to 2 really big too). And the level 2 courses are designed to feed into the level 3 so will help a lot to do them in order.

If you do any of these lit. courses read all the set books before the course starts. And start the course a few weeks early to give yourself a bit of a cusion of time, if poss.

I know its easy to get impatient and skip to the really interesting looking courses but some people I know who did this regretted it. And if you are aiming for a degree you need the points anyway.