English – (B.A.)

Contents

First year

For students choosing the literature pathway, the first-year literature foundation modules – Approaches to Literature and Texts in History – introduce you to a range of kinds and periods of literature, using a lively variety of critical and theoretical approaches. The Independent Study module guides you in using the huge print and electronic resources of the Main Library, and in writing and referencing to a professional standard. Language Foundation introduces the essential elements of contemporary language studies. Landmarks in European Literature offers you the opportunity to establish a broader basis for literary study by reading key works (in translation) in their historical and cultural contexts. You also take a module outside your main discipline.

If you choose the pathway with equal weightings of literature and language, you take the two literature foundation modules as above, along with the Literature Independent Study module. On the language side, you take two first-year linked modules called Language Works, which introduce you to the full range of foundational methods of analysing the English Language, especially phonology, grammar, discourse structure, and how language develops in the individual and varies in social contexts. You also take a module introducing basic skills for independent research in English Language.

Second year

In this year Literature pathway students take modules that address topics in three major periods of English literature, which are informed by theoretical as well as textual and historical approaches. The Independent Study module in your second year sets you more challenging objectives to prepare you for the final-year dissertation. You take a language module, focusing either on development and variation in English, or on its discourse structure, and you also take a further module outside your main discipline.
On the Literature and Language pathway, you choose to take either two linked advanced Language Works modules (which take much further the ideas and analytical principles introduced in Year 1’s Language Works), or two of three modules which look in depth at rich aspects of the language: its history; its development and variation; and its discourse structure. A further module on research skills involves you in working on a project first as a member of a small research group, and then independently.

Third year

The final year is the culmination of your programme, in which you choose a number of special option modules, taught by experts in those specialisms, and also undertake an extended essay (a Research Project) in which you have the opportunity to demonstrate sophisticated understanding of the issues in literature or language that you have been studying over the last two years. All English Literature students also take a year-long Shakespeare course, taught in collaboration with, and drawing on the unique resources of, our internationally-renowned Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Year abroad

Students from the Department of English taking a year abroad are asked to write a Year Abroad Project: an extended essay prepared, in part, during their second year. All students writing Year Abroad Projects are allocated a supervisor, with whom they meet to discuss their work.

Teaching and learning

We believe that we are partners in learning with our students, and our programme is designed to ensure that you are a fully supported and an active learner. Your programme combines independent study with class work in seminar groups and lectures, as well as individual supervisions in connection with your dissertation. We provide a variety of assessment methods, including exams and written work produced throughout the year.