A new British literature class began this semester. The process started about two years ago when a group approached the English faculty with the idea to merge British literature I and British literature II.

This new class covers distinct historical periods in British literature, particularly the 1600s. The class explores different movements, genres and cultural literacy.

“I want my students to think about how we, as American teachers and students, look at British literature and understand what it is, and what it means,” Assistant Professor of English Charles Grimm said. “Is there something unique to these texts that we might think about?”

Previously, the class was split into two parts, and both were primarily held online because of low student registration. Now that the class has been combined, it is available online and at the Cartersville campus.

Within the first few weeks of the semester, students have responded well to the class.

“I think the class will help a lot with my reading comprehension skills,” STEM major Rachel Resnick said.

“It has inspired me to get back into reading more literature,” General Studies major Eli Hamilton said. “I am very excited to go through the rest of this class.”

Grimm teaches the in-person class on the Cartersville campus. It is his first time teaching British literature, even though that was his focus in his master’s program at the University of Alabama. His approach encourages students to compare the readings to works they know, such as movies, TV shows and comics.

“As we do this, there is a hope that students will see that literature is more than just beautiful writing, and that is a lot more useful for having conversations,” Grimm said.

“Mr. Grimm’s class is one of my favorites,” Hamilton said. “You can tell he has a genuine passion for anything he is talking about.”

With a fresh approach and increased student engagement, the new British literature class is becoming part of the curriculum.