Why you should study this course
You can develop transferable skills in criticism, analysis and interpersonal communication which are vital in many careers, such as the teaching, legal, media, marketing, financial and public sector professions.
- You can develop further grounding in both linguistic and literary analysis, and develop your understanding of language use and literary genres and periods.
- Through your study of English language, you will develop an understanding of how English works as a system of communication that helps to define ourselves, the societies we live in, and the whole world.
- We have significant links with a wide variety of potential employers such as secondary schools, magazines, newspapers and local charities. Many of our links in the past have offered students professional experience opportunities.
- In English literature, you’ll have the opportunity to examine a range of fictional works from different countries and explore the ways in which the world is interpreted through them.
- You’ll be able to join a range of societies such as the Literature Society or Book Club Society which aim to develop student interest in literature, film, and theatre, as well as promoting literary and social events.
What you'll study
Year one
The first year introduces you to both linguistic and literary analysis by exploring:
- basic concepts in discourse and conversation analysis
- the systems of pronunciation and grammar
- how the English language has changed over time and spread globally to create new Englishes and become the most spoken language in the world
- different literary genres including drama, prose and poetry
- approaches to literary analysis like Liberal Humanism, Literary Stylistics, Feminisms, Marxisms and Critical Race Theory.
There are five mandatory modules in the first year. You need 120 credits to successfully pass each year. (Credit value in brackets.)
Modules
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Periods in English Literature and Language (30 credits)
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Language Architecture (20 credits)
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Discourse and Digital Media (30 credits)
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Approaches to Literature (20 credits)
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Add+vantage (20 credits)
Year two
In your second year, you will study language variation in society as well as Renaissance and Victorian literature. You can hone your ability to communicate in academic writing, and be introduced to Stylistics.
You will also have the opportunity to choose a range of very different option modules:
- a literature option – ‘The American West: Real and Imagined’
- a language option –‘Language and New Media’
- the International Study Trip.
Modules
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Shakespeare’s Renaissance (20 credits)
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Language and Society (20 credits)
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Writing for Success (10 credits)
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The Victorians and Empire (20 Credits)
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Stylistics (15 credits)
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Add+vantage (20 credits)
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Option modules (Choose 1 from 3):
This module introduces you to a range of literary and non-literary narratives about the American West. The focus of the module turns to the voices of those who have been excluded from the mythic narrative of the West. You will have the opportunity to study the revisionist writings of a selection of contemporary native Americans, black Westerners, gay Westerners, and female Westerners.
Assessment: Coursework
Language and New Media - 20 credits
This module introduces key issues relevant to the study of language used in digital contexts. We explore the use or language by drawing on sociolinguistic, discourse-analytic, and ethnographic approaches. There will be a focus on identity performance, social engagement, and aggression and conflict.
Assessment: Coursework
International Study Trip - 20 credits
This module aims to enable you to conduct primary field research in an international setting. You will consider international influences on both English literature and the English language, particularly as a lingua franca. These themes will be analysed either in the field study location or in a simulated/online environment. For example, a study trip to Valencia or similar simulated/online environment could entail the analysis of linguistic landscapes, intercultural communication and local authors.
Assessment: Coursework
Final year
In your final year, you will study the relationship between language and power (using the methods of Critical Discourse Analysis) and have the opportunity to explore works of 20th century literature after 1945.
Your studies can lead to a dissertation where you can investigate a topic independently that intrigues you.
Modules
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Language, Identity and Power (20 credits)
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Post-War Literature (20 credits)
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Advanced Writing Skills (10 credits)
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Optional modules (Choose 60 credits)
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Add+vantage module (20 credits)
