Language Degrees Online

Aims of the course

The main aim of the course is to provide an attractive and distinctive approach to postgraduate literary study. Three core units develop an argument about broadly canonical 19th and 20th century literature and examine its cultural and historical contexts. Students also choose from a variety of courses that consider aspects of contemporary literature, poetry and drama.

The course also aims to enhance linguistic competence and communication skills through advanced literary commentary. Independent learning and research activity for the purposes of extended academic writing is also integral to the course.
Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement will normally be a lower second-class Honours degree, preferably in literature or a related area. Applicants will also be considered who have a relevant professional qualification and/or extensive relevant experience.

Course structure

The course consists of six taught modules and a dissertation of 15,000 words.
Core modules:
Literature and its Contexts 1800-189
Modernism: writing and experience
Political Voices 1930-1980
Approaches to Research
Optional modules include:
Remaking Shakespeare
Poetry of the British Isles: 1980 to the present
Postcolonial Literatures
The Post-1979 English Novel
Assessment

A variety of methods are used, including seminar presentation, reports, essays and a dissertation.
Career opportunities

The course may serve as a means of personal and career development particularly appropriate to those within teaching and related educational fields. The course can also act as a staging post in higher education and future career development, especially in research and associated academic employment. The endorsement of advanced educational and transferable skills offered by the course also provides inroads into related fields, such as media, librarianship and journalism, as well as less related fields requiring high levels of literacy, research skills and information presentation.

Postgraduate and Professional Courses Prospectus 2008/09

Why choose us?

Our two campuses

Academic culture

Supportive culture

International culture

Research culture

Our departments

Courses

How to apply

Partner colleges & collaborative courses

Disclaimer

This course explores the principal genres and forms of literature in English, including Renaissance literature, 19th century literature, science fiction and contemporary literature, with opportunities to specialise. The course also has major modules in American literature and postcolonial literatures, allowing for a focused study in these areas within the context of English literature as a whole.

Course structure

Single Honours students take eight modules at each of three levels. Joint Honours involves four modules from each level in English Literature, plus four from your other subject.

Level 1 introduces areas, issues and perspectives fundamental to the study of English literature. It also prepares you for higher education-level study, helping you to gain an overview.

Modules include
Reading 19th Century Fiction
Reading Poetry
Reading 20th Century Fiction
Theories of the Text
Poetic Forms and Genres
Introduction to Theatre and Drama

Level 2 deepens knowledge of period, geographical range and methodology. You also address issues related to employability and professional practice.

Modules include
Ways of Reading
Literary Criticism: History and Context
Literature and History I: Renaissance Literature
Literature and History II: Modernism and Modernity
Colonial North America: Literature and Culture
Perspectives on Shakespeare

Level 3 involves a dissertation to develop your skills in problem identification and analysis and problem-solving.

Modules include
Modern British Poetry 1890-1945
Contemporary English Novel
US Fiction since 1950
Jacobean and Caroline Tragedy
19th Century US Literature a nd Culture
Modernism and the City: US Literature and Culture 1900-1940
Religion in Medieval and Renaissance Poetry
Contemporary British Drama
Caribbean Oral Traditions
Latin American Literature
Science Fiction