17³Ô¹ÏÍø

English Literature shares frontiers with many subjects and has become the central field of humanistic study in UK universities. The University of 17³Ô¹ÏÍødegree programme approaches English Literature as a versatile academic discipline characterised by the rigorous and critical study of literature and language, importantly concerned with the production, reception and interpretation of written texts, primarily literary; and with the nature, history and potential of the English language. We recognise and celebrate that the study of English develops a flexible and responsive openness of mind and sympathy, conceptual sophistication in argument, and the ability to engage in dialogue with past and present cultures and values. Students are given the freedom to choose between a rigorously-designed Single Honours programme, and the combination of a similarly coherent Major programme (240-270 units) in English Literature with 90-120 units of study in a wide range of frontier subjects, including those taught in other Schools of the University. Where ≥90 units at the appropriate FHEQ Levels are selected from a single discipline, and where local pre-requisites are complied with, a combined honours degree will be awarded upon completion. All students are required to complete a capstone Synoptic Study Unit integrating knowledge and understanding from different areas of their study programme, and all have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project and/or, subject to availability, an external work placement.

The key aims of the Single Honours and Major programmes are to deliver the following:
• Systematic knowledge of the discipline as traditionally constructed by examining a wide range of literature in different genres across different historical periods, but with an emphasis on post-1770 literature, and in particular, study of the twentieth century
• Critically-informed understanding of ways to approach literary texts, and understanding of current critical issues and theories
• The ability to engage closely and in detail with the stylistic and rhetorical features of texts, and to conceive and develop creative works in a self-critical manner and across a range of genres
• The ability to read, write, and speak the language of effective and thorough communication
• The ability to integrate knowledge and understanding from a range of subjects and/or disciplines through a Synoptic Study Unit
• Opportunities for rigorous discussion and debate, encouraged in a tutorial and seminar environment
• Opportunities to demonstrate depth of knowledge, understanding and professional research competence through the core/optional Dissertation project
• Competencies directly relating to employability:
- high-order conceptual, literacy, and communication skills
- intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
- high-level, fluent, and accurate writing skills
- good IT skills
- recent relevant work experience gained through an External Placement option

The key aims of English Literature with Flexible Honours are:
- To provide knowledge of a range of cognate or contrasting subjects and disciplines selected according to each student’s intellectual interests and career objectives; or, of a single secondary subject/discipline, where ≥90 units are selected at appropriate FHEQ Levels
- To instil understanding of the methodologies and critical approaches, at basic, intermediate and advanced levels, of a range of cognate or contrasting subjects; or, of a single secondary subject/discipline where ≥90 units are selected at appropriate FHEQ Levels and local prerequisites are complied with
- To provide opportunities to synthesise and tailor knowledge and understanding to a bespoke programme of study undertaken with the advice and guidance of the Department of English and Digital Media
- To facilitate the study, either broad or in-depth, of more than one subject/discipline, and to provide a wider range of skills-related outcomes than the study of Single Honours

In the English Department, we also believe in the surpassing value of the reading, discussing, and understanding of great works of literature, both as processes that lead to higher levels of employability and the development of transferable skills, and as ends in themselves that are enriching and, ultimately, liberating. Literature is ethically and emotionally educative. In the words of Iris Murdoch, addressing the issue of ‘two cultures’: ‘the study of a language or a literature or any study that will increase and refine our ability to be through words is part of a battle for civilization . . . for clarity and truth, against vile fake-scientific jargon and spiritless slipshod journalese and tyrannical mystification. There are not two cultures. There is only one culture and words are its basis; words are where we live as human beings and as moral and spiritual agents’ (Writings on Philosophy and Literature, 1997).

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ();
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s)

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of 17³Ô¹ÏÍøand may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.