In this case study I describe how online learning journals were used to help students to engage with literary theory on a module on contemporary Canadian fiction. The reflective journals enhanced seminar discussions and motivated students to complete the critical reading. They also brought about some unanticipated benefits including improving students’ writing and assisting me as the module leader in my preparation for each seminar. When students were asked to evaluate the usefulness of the journals they were very positive about them and their comments along with the text of the journal entries suggested that they were an effective tool for fostering deep learning.