- Course Type CLEP
- Subject Composition and Literature
- Level Introductory
- Length 6 Modules
- Video Length 2h 51m
- Reading Pages 57
- Institution Modern States
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature develops your ability to read and respond to poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction. The course emphasizes interpreting literary passages, identifying themes and metaphors, and applying the terminology used in literary analysis. Familiarity with specific works is not required, but you will build skills that transfer across genres and historical periods.
This is a free, self-paced Modern States course with no prerequisites. It is aligned to the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam and is designed to prepare you to succeed on the test and earn college credit.
Modern States originally developed this course in collaboration with Mr. Simpson. Ann M. Pelelo, Ph.D. of Clarke University supported course enhancements published in 2025.
Course Overview
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature Course Overview - Modern States
| Module | Topic | Video Length | Total pages of required reading |
| Module 1: Structure of the test 0:06:40 total video length 0 total reading pages |
1: Test Structure and Preparation | – | – |
| 1.1: Framework Of the Test | 0:01:33 | – | |
| 1.2: Overview of Exam Preparation | 0:01:20 | – | |
| 1.3: What You Need to Demonstrate | 0:01:41 | – | |
| 1.4: Structure and Content of the Test | 0:02:06 | – | |
| 1: Summary | – | – | |
| Module 2: Poetry (35%-45%) 01:06:27 total video length 4 total reading pages |
2: Poetry | – | – |
| 2.1: Why? | 0:02:42 | 4 | |
| 2.2: How? | 0:02:54 | – | |
| 2.3: Tone | 0:04:56 | – | |
| 2.4: Verse and Rhyme | 0:09:16 | – | |
| 2.5: Meter | 0:03:34 | – | |
| 2.6.1: Form | 0:03:25 | – | |
| 2.6.2: Types of Poetry | 0:00:54 | – | |
| 2.6.2.1: Types of Poetry – Sonnet | 0:03:04 | – | |
| 2.6.2.2: Types of Poetry – Some More Stanzas | 0:01:19 | – | |
| 2.6.2.3: Types of Poetry – Epic Poetry | 0:03:28 | – | |
| 2.6.2.4: Types of Poetry – Ballads | 0:03:15 | – | |
| 2.6.2.5: Types of Poetry – Lyrical Poetry | 0:04:10 | – | |
| 2.6.2.6: Types of Poetry – Sestina | 0:01:40 | – | |
| 2.6.2.7: Types of Poetry – Others | 0:04:00 | – | |
| 2.7: Meaning | 0:08:09 | – | |
| 2.8: More on Construction | 0:03:12 | – | |
| 2.9: Rhetorical Techniques | 0:06:29 | – | |
| 2: Summary | – | – | |
| Module 3: Prose (35%-45%) 0:31:16 total video length 5 total reading pages |
3.1: What is it? | 0:01:03 | 5 |
| 3.2: Why? | 0:01:47 | – | |
| 3.3.1: Origins | 0:02:38 | – | |
| 3.3.2: Today | 0:01:04 | – | |
| 3.3.3: Types and Movements | 0:01:46 | – | |
| 3.3.4: Analysis | 0:00:49 | – | |
| 3.3.4.4: Analysis of Language | 0:03:58 | – | |
| 3.3.4.5: Analysis of Narration | 0:02:00 | – | |
| 3.3.4.6: Analysis of Theme | 0:01:20 | – | |
| 3.4.1: Origins | 0:02:04 | – | |
| 3.4.2: Characteristics | 0:03:28 | – | |
| 3.5: Essays | 0:02:14 | – | |
| 3: Summary | – | – | |
| Module 4: Drama (15%-30%) 0:23:36 total video length 4 total reading pages |
4: Introduction to Drama | 0:01:41 | – |
| 4.1: About | 0:03:04 | 2 | |
| 4.2: Plot | 0:01:26 | 2 | |
| 4.3: Character & Theme | 0:01:11 | – | |
| 4.4.1: Comedy | 0:01:44 | – | |
| 4.4.2: Satire | 0:03:52 | – | |
| 4.4.3: Tragedy | 0:01:50 | – | |
| 4.4.4: Historical Drama | 0:00:56 | – | |
| 4.4.5: Modern Drama | 0:02:50 | – | |
| 4.4.6: Avant-Garde Connection | 0:05:02 | – | |
| 4: Summary | – | – | |
| Module 5: Writing the Essay 0:32:05 total video length 44 total reading pages |
5: Analyzing Literature | – | – |
| 5.1: Writing the Essays | 0:08:14 | 44 | |
| 5.2: Analysis of Poem “Walking Around” | 0:16:45 | – | |
| 5.3: Analysis of Short Story “The Necklace” | 0:07:06 | – | |
| 5: Summary | – | – | |
| Module 6: General Observations and Connections 0:17:33 total video length 0 total reading pages |
6: General Observations and Connections | – | – |
| 6.0: General Observations and Connections | 0:17:33 | – | |
| 6: Summary | – | – | |
| Course Conclusion | – | – |
