English Literature

Course summary

English Literature is a vital force that records and shapes the way we think and live. Studying it will help you appreciate the context and cultural heritage of literature and better understand the world. It will also foster your creativity and develop your analytical skills. This is a subject that sits well with other essay-based subjects and can also provide the communicative and creative spark for mathematicians and scientists. What you’ll study Your studies will consist of three main activities: reading texts, talking about texts and then writing about them. You’ll study a wide range of plays, novels and poetry and get to know the rich realism of Chaucer, the polished wit of Tennessee Williams, the luminous wisdom of Shakespeare, and the complex psychology of Henry James. You’ll discover writers who will stay with you for the rest of your life – and maybe one or two you’ll want to forget! Whatever your experience, you’ll deepen your love of good writing and learn how to articulate your opinions and feelings with clarity and sophistication. Where English Literature can take you Universities and employers hold English Literature in high regard as a subject that’s academically rigorous and intellectually stimulating. Careers like law, journalism, media, business and the creative arts all welcome a literate and creative student. However, the transferable skills you gain analysing complex material and communicating your ideas will be valuable in almost every profession.