English Literature

Course summary

Why should I study English Literature? No other subject compares to Literature in terms of developing your skills of interpretation, analysis, and evaluation. Literature teaches us about ourselves and our place in the universe, time and space and everything in between. It might not give you the answers to questions, but it will alter the way you think about those questions. Studying English Literature is perfect for anyone with a passion for reading literary texts from any era or movement. It allows you to develop your understanding of the intricacies of language and identify waves of meaning, both above and below the surface. You will develop a wider appreciation of the importance of context, exploring the factors that shape a text, whether that’s when it was written or why, or how different eras have interpreted the same text differently. You will be able to engage in dynamic class discussions, learning to explore through debate and critical questioning. What does the course look like? Over the course, you will study at least 8 texts in detail. These will include: • Shakespeare and poetry pre-1900 • Drama and prose post-1900 • Shakespeare, Drama, and poetry pre-1900 • Comparative and contextual study • Literature post-1900 coursework.