This new and exciting course covers a range of genres, periods and literary works. The course highlights underpinning social, political and cultural issues which affect the way in which we view reading and writing. Alongside the traditional range of English Literature from the 17th Century to the present day, students are able to explore Irish and American literature as well as cultural theory, creative writing and film.
Year 1 |
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| Year 2 |
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| Year 3 |
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*Please note these modules may be subject to change*
In year 1 students will study a broad range of dramatic, poetic and fictional texts from 1660 to present day investigating the interrelationships between literature and society throughout this period. The Language in Use module will introduce you to the disciplines of rhetoric and logic and you will gain an understanding of their roles in natural language. A study skills module Learning Strategies will assist you as you undertake university level study. You will begin to develop critical and reflective skills in your first year that will be consolidated in years 2 and 3.
In the second year you will study particular areas of literature to a greater depth for example Gothic fiction, Shakespeare and Contemporary novels. Literature, Discourse and Language 2 will help you to develop the close-reading and critical skills needed to understand complex literary texts and you will acquire a broad knowledge of literary criticism and theory. The module Popular Culture will focus on different aspects of film, television, advertising and written texts in relation to contemporary society. In addition to your core modules you will have the opportunity to choose an optional module in either creative writing or sexuality and identity in literature.
In your final year you will spend approximately half your time writing a research dissertation on a subject of your choice within the broad field covered in the course. This will allow you to conduct in-depth study that is largely self-directed, but with the help and guidance of an individual dissertation tutor. Possible dissertation topics might include The Evolution of Children's Literature, Women in Gothic Literature, The works of George Orwell. In addition to your dissertation you will study three key modules: Written for Children; which studies the history and evolution of children's literature from the 18th century to present day; Authorship and Power, which explores the concepts of empowerment, class, gender and identity within creative writing; and Revolutions in literature, in which you will gain an understanding of the romantic and modernist movements through examination of a wide range of literature from this period.
On successful completion of this course you will be eligible to study a PGCE in order to be able to teach English.