English Language and Literature

Course summary

Students on this course will study four components over two years with exams which will take place at the end of the second year. One of the second year components is non-exam assessment (coursework). The first year components involve the study of an anthology of pre-1914 poetry, a prose text (The Color Purple by Alice Walker) and a modern play (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams). Shakespeare’s Othello and Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood are studied in year two. In addition, the course includes study of non-literary texts both written and spoken. Coursework is an independent study of a genre of texts, alongside some creative writing. You will also learn a wide range of linguistic terminology and analytical skills - challenging, but with a lifetime’s useful application in your future careers could include journalism, publishing, writing, social media management or teaching. This course is not all classroom-based, you will have many opportunities to take part in extracurricular activities including trips, theatre visits, visits by outside speakers, the English Extension Group and writing workshops.