Overview
The English Language and English Literature undergraduate programme combines study of the history, structures, uses and context of English as a world language with study of literature in English from the medieval era to the 21st century.
The first year expands your knowledge via core modules on Shakespeare, grammar and the history of the English language as well as an option module either on poetry, the novel, adaptation, or linguistics.
The second year builds on these foundational modules. Your knowledge of literary history is deepened through study of the core module, which offers an overview of English literature from the 14th century to the early 18th century. Similarly, you have the chance to extend your knowledge of language, taking modules in sociolinguistics, grammar, semantics, phonology or linguistic research skills. In addition, you have the option to take further period-based literature modules on Romantic and Victorian literature and 20th and 21st-century literature or modules which offer you an introduction to other aspects of literary and linguistic study, including in our areas of special expertise, adaptations and digital humanities (Text Technologies), as well as on pragmatics and teaching English language (in UK schools and as a second language).
The third year allows you to specialise and to pursue particular areas of research interest. You complete a dissertation, either in English Language or English Literature. You then choose additional options from a wide-ranging selection of specialist literature and language options. This includes the option to take a work-based module in either Language or Literature and further options in adaptations and digital humanities.
Teaching sessions might be structured around discussion, working in small groups to analyse linguistic examples, a film screening or based in a computer lab depending on your module choices. You will complete reading and research in advance and join in conversation with your tutor and your peers. Individual tutorials with module tutors are available in weekly ‘office hours’, at which you can discuss any aspect of your course or get help with assignments. You will experience varied forms of assessment, including essays, presentations, exams, blogs, journals, websites, research reports and creative options.
You will be also assigned a Personal Tutor from the academic staff who will be available to meet students each term and to provide academic and pastoral support and advice. Personal Tutoring enables students to reflect synoptically on their academic experience. Learning in English Language and English Literature is also supported by the University Centre for Learning and Study Support (CLaSS), which offers regular workshops on a range of study skills. Teaching is enhanced by study skills sessions and there is an emphasis throughout year 1 (Level 4) especially on the key academic skills.
Contact hours
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, essays and reports) and sometimes an exam. Your precise timetable will depend on the optional modules you choose to take, however, in your first year you will normally attend around 10 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 27 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.