The analytical, research, and organisational skills that you gain from a literature degree are popular with employers everywhere. If youre thinking of applying for an english literature degree, one of the. Check out our free courses on the wonderful world of english literature. Good useful book, using it for university wish i got the physical book rather. Its easy to assume that a graduate who has studied literature can only go on to become a teacher or to do further study, but this isnt the case at all. Likewise, the program is an excellent springboard for graduate studies in history, political science or a masters closely related to your english degree. Ive explored some online bachelors degree programs but those are expensive. The list ive made is therefore not even all the books i studied throughout my degree, it is simply those i chose to write on in my finals. Here you can seek a single honors degree in english literature or a joint degree in english. Hi everyone, ill give you a rundown of the situation. Simmons launched the first master of arts degree in childrens literature in 1977 to provide a rigorous, disciplined study of childrens and young adult books for those who are or who intend to be involved in teaching, library services, publishing, writing, or related fields. Contact hours you will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, group work and selfdirected study. Why you shouldnt study english literature musings of a. English majors read a variety of books in order to improve their critical thinking, writing, and researching skills, while developing proficiency in analyzing and interpreting literature.
The dream of the rood oe, ms 950 and selected exeter book riddles. During an english literature degree, students scrutinize and debate a variety of texts, as well as acquiring knowledge of literary. On successfully completing this undergraduate course, youll be awarded the ba honours english language and literature degree. I crave studying english again and i aspire to get a degree on it one day.
As good communication is so important to modern business, you can find english graduates in all parts of the economy, although obviously, you cant expect to get a job as a doctor or nuclear physicist. I havent studied english in a long time nor even touched any of the textbooks. English literature ba undergraduate study loughborough. As soon the degree was over i no longer needed glasses. Explore typical coursework and specializations in this field, like world literature. After all, english majors love to read good books and study the beauty of the english. While theres more to an english literature degree than reading hefty tomes until your eyes go square, its fair to say that reading and analyzing written works is likely to be pretty central to your studies. Whether you are just thinking about taking english literature to degree level, or needing help through your university course, starting an english literature degree is the musthave companion. The study of english literature focuses mainly on analysis, debate. Best universities for english literature in uk study in uk. May 15, 2017 youre not obligated to buy any books before you start, and bear in mind you may be eligible for books plus, but here are my 5 suggestions to get started. The amount of reading i had to read a week was crazy. What is english literature and is it hard to study. Our english literature degree will introduce you to key concepts and periods in your first year, through a range of carefully designed core modules introducing the fundamentals of poetic language and form, the study of language, literary theory, narrative forms and fictions, and the major periods of literary history.
Explore our english literature free courses openlearn. The core curriculum at salem state requires 2 sequenced courses in literature. Sep 20, 2007 despite the fact that i studied english literature at university and went on to undertake a variety of bookish professional pursuits, my central recollection of english lit at school is of how. How many books were you expected to read for your literature. We offer a range of student prizes to reward outstanding academic achievement in english literature at all levels of the ba degree. This degree may focus on the english language or english literature as separate or connected specialties. An english literature degree can open a number of doors once youve graduated. If you did not study english language for alevel or equivalent, please read through any. What do people who study english literature do after graduation. Bachelors, masters and doctoral programs are available in literature. Most students fulfill the requirement by taking world literature, american literature, english literature, or shakespeare, all of which focus on reading great books. Oct 03, 2019 an english literature degree can open a number of doors once youve graduated.
The canterbury tales is a collection of stories in verse told. English literature examines writings from many time periods, from shakespeare. On this course youll study an exciting range of texts from many different periods and settings, including novels, drama and poetry, and discover an exciting variety of approaches for reading and interpreting them. Before studying english literature, it is my personal advice. English literature degree ba hons university of portsmouth. An english literature degree helps students to develop a range of essential skills, including analysis and writing skills, that can lead to a wide range of career options. What are some best guide books to study ba hons english. Study english literature to become an expert in reading, analysing and discussing the classic and contemporary works that inspire you.
What are some superb work books in english literature that a person should read to take his. English majors read a variety of books in order to improve their critical. An english literature bachelors degree is the perfect foundation for future graduate study in library science. The novel broadens the scope of study of a realist novel, in both literary and historical terms. However, there are many other ways to utilize an english literature degree. Coping with amount of reading english degree english language and literature conflicitng opinions on an english personal statement warwick university eng lit 2016 offer holders. English literature or bachelor of arts in english literature is an undergraduate english course. A degree in english language and literature is designed to get you reading books, analyzing theories, critiquing prose and verse, and taking a more critical look at the signs and words surrounding us every day. This surpasses all current introductory guides to studying english literature. What kind of jobs can you get with an english literature degree.
Working from the belief that no text exists in isolation but is the product of the time in which it was produced, english literature a encourages students to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and. How to prepare for alevels are these good alevels for law or english degree. English literature course admission, books, eligibility. The firstyear english course at oxford is divided largely between early medieval english literature and the. Aug 10, 2015 an english literature degree is best suited for someone who is loves reading and discussing books. Art is included through lectures and online materials. Bachelor degree in english writing, literature and publishing the b. After developing the necessary skills to critically analyse traditional literature, students will be able to engage with options such as american gothic and first world war prose. This module aims to develop learners ability to read critically with comprehension and insight, improve their linguistic competence and develop their ability to write critically and logically. If you are taking 120 credits or more in english literature at level 3 i. Youll start stage 1 with a broad introduction to the arts and humanities followed by beginning your study of english language. English writing, literature, and publishing program will help students find their narrative voice, to create a tool that will enable them to develop and contribute wherever creative writing and storytelling are required in both fiction and nonfiction settings. This is one of the most familiar and fundamental ways of approaching literary texts.
While its good to discuss the books youve studied in class, its even more important to show that youre enthusiastic and keen to take initiative by reading around. The class of degree first, upper second, lower second or thirdclass honours depends on your grades at stages 2 and 3. English literature course covers the study of english literature and writings from the middle ages to the 20th century. Opportunities to delve deeper into your field with a postgraduate course are a good choice should you find a particular genre or style of literature that you are particularly passionate about. Common uses of an english literature degree include becoming a writer, researcher, or teacher. What books should an english literature student read. By reading the bible as literature, youll open yourself up to a further. It involves the study and exploration of texts created in english literature. Masters in childrens literature degree simmons university.
Studying english at the open university is an exciting way to expand your skills and knowledge. The origin of the words you are reading are my mind, and i have a way to put them on a page for you to read. What may come as a surprise for students who have spent most of their time learning in class, however, is that a degree in english literature involves relatively few contact hours compared with other undergraduate courses such as the sciences. Those who study english at university are also likely to develop many of the skills required for careers in law and the legal sector, although a graduatelevel degree will be needed for many legal roles like a barrister or solicitor. What kind of jobs can you get with an english literature. Why you need to study english literature degree erika. The book of the duchess, the parliament of fowls, and the house of fame 70s80s. So, in 9th grade, i took a course called american literature i. What sort of books do i need to study english literature. While its good to discuss the books youve studied in class, its even. Some students use it as a stepping stone to a degree in law, or in this day and age, some will use it to begin a path in the digital marketing world. Preparing to study english literature at university. For my oxford final exams, i sat four pure literature papers and one linguistics paper. Online english degree earn your ba in english literature.
English is one of the most popular degree subjects and in 2012, more than 12,000 students graduated with english degrees. Students apply highlevel scholarly analysis to materials ranging from folklore and fantasy to contemporary. Librarians help library patrons find the resources they are looking for, including hard copy resources like books and videos, and online resources like research articles and periodicals. Studying english at reading has allowed me to learn about the origins of the english language, write an original short story and create informative pieces for an exhibition in a local museum. The world cultures courses are based in the western tradition, but also include nonwestern classics. The average course fee ranges from inr 18,000 to inr 1,00,000 in most of the colleges in india spread over 3 years. Help english literature degree reading list the student room. Five books to read before starting your english literature. These programs often require a comprehensive study of english literature and specialization in a topic. Other common careers with an english degree include librarianship, archiving, bookselling, information and research, tourism, events management, social work, youth work, probation work, human resources, retail management and sales. Also this is only the four literature modules when in the end i sat 9. The thing is, though, that an english literature degree is unlikely to consist largely of books a teenager is likely to find obviously appealing, even though shell probably have some opportunity to specialise in her own areas of interest as she gets towards her final year. If youre starting a degree in english literature soon, these tips will help you to hit the ground running.
Baylor has made a strong commitment to enlarging study of the great books. Studying the history of english literature is certainly fun, amazing and also benefiting. An english literature degree qualifies you for multiple jobs in the world of publishing. English reading list balliol college, university of oxford. English proficiency for university studies eng1511. How many books did i read for my french degree at oxford. English literature is a broad, accessible and important subject. Bear in mind this is just the literature chosen for finals stuff studied for 24 years of the degree and for the period paper only 3 topics are listed, when 8 are required reading for tutorials. The firstyear english course at oxford is divided largely between early medieval english literature and the literatures of the victorian period and of the 20th century.
Ive applied to study english literature starting in october this year, but im worried about set reading lists. The following are books you should consider reading before starting. This is very useful if you dont have much academic practice, which. Early medieval english is taught throughout all three terms. The degree course covers lessons on almost all the bestknown and bestloved writers such as chaucer, shakespeare, swift, milton, jane austen, dickens, and the list is countless. The students are introduced to the basic nuances of writing.
When i studied english literature i needed to wear glasses. Salisbury university salisbury, md bellavance honors program. Youll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony. A typical english literature course comprises of literature from various eras and countries and spans novels, plays, poetry, prose, etc. In a literature degree program, youll read and analyze stories, novels and poetry from a variety of historical time periods and cultures. Reading in english literature alevel aqa english literature and language paper 1 and 2 revision and study chat what sort of books do i need to study english literature. Next, in stage 2, youll choose between two option modules and study one compulsory module that examines the development and diversity of english. As an english major, you must read a certain number of books selected by your schools english department in order to meet your course requirements. Depending on the course you choose, you can study stimulating literature from an exciting range of periods and settings, find out about how the english language is used in a variety of global contexts and develop your creative writing skills.
This epic poem was originally written in old english a language which you may. Youre not obligated to buy any books before you start, and bear in mind you may be eligible for books plus, but here are my 5 suggestions to get started. Dec 31, 2018 if youre thinking of applying for an english literature degree, one of the key things youll be talking about in your personal statement is the books youve read. Five books to read before starting your english literature degree. Now im moving to south korea to teach english, something i cant imagine doing had i studied anywhere else. Feb 24, 2015 in fact, data from the georgetown center on education and the workforce reports 9. The critical thinking, reading and analytical abilities you develop set you up for postgraduate study or roles in areas such as teaching and politics. The student needs to have a general and grand picture of. Not only the students of literature but anybody who is enthusiastic about studying and knowing more about the authors, poets and literary personalities can go through the best history of english literature books and enhance his or her comprehension. Study curriculums in english literature comprise the development of english literature from the early stages in the anglosaxon period to the most modern trends in english and worlds literacy. English studies usually called simply english is an academic discipline taught in primary, secondary, and postsecondary education in english speaking countries. If youre thinking about majoring in english, you must be familiar with the classic literature typically taught in high school.