The English Literature course is both exciting and challenging, encouraging students to develop their enjoyment of literary studies through reading broadly, independently, and critically. The Aspects of Tragedy component includes an exploration of Shakespeare and Hardy’s tragic heroes or heroines who are flawed in some way, who suffer and cause suffering to others. The Elements of Crime Writing component focuses on transgressions against the established order and the breaking of national, social, religious or moral laws. It examines the ways significant crimes drive narratives ranging from 17th-century plays to post-2000 novels. The final, non-examined component contemplates the application of narrative theories including feminist theory, Marxist theory, eco-critical theory, post-colonial theory and literary value and the canon. Is this course for me? Do you long to nurture your love of reading? To sharpen your skills of debate, discussion and analysis? To broaden your understanding of the human condition throughout literary history? To be inspired by language and to put your intellectual curiosity to good use? Then English Literature is for you. Studying English Literature will be positively helpful in refining your powers of communication in other subjects and, furthermore, will help develop the skills and ability to tackle the longer, more disciplined writing demanded by many university courses, including Law and History. English Literature is excellent preparation for any university course and is regarded highly amongst universities. All arts degrees require English; other vocational courses that prefer it are Law, Architecture, Business Management, and Education. Students not intending to go to university have an excellent basis for entry into fields such as Journalism or Personnel.