English Literature

Course summary

English Literature is a subject for those who enjoy reading and are interested in analysing what the author is trying to achieve through their work. Our course is wide-ranging and stimulating, with texts that include plays, poetry and novels spanning from the 1600s to the present day. We study these texts alongside their historical contexts, as well as literary criticism and interpretations, and you are expected to be able to offer your own opinions and interpretations during our class discussions. Our central topics include the Gothic, dramatic tragedy and Christina Rossetti poetry, but you will also have the opportunity to pursue your own areas of interest when you choose your own texts and question in independent coursework in the second year. If you enjoy reading and want to continue at a more profound and detailed level, this is a good subject for you.