How do I begin to learn all the texts on my course?

Break your work down so it is more manageable. One technique which often works for both visual and reading/writing learners is to make tables mapping out the poems, books and plays you are studying. Then break it down further - a table for each text including themes, structural information, contextual information, critical reception and close textual analysis. Even more specifically you can create tables based around different exam questions you might be asked. This method works particularly well for those fazed by an exam question requiring a longer answer as your points which you can then insert into your P.E.E.L. paragraphs are written clearly and concisely. This technique can also work for auditory learns - just substitute the tables for queue cards and practise reading them to a friend or family member.