English and American Literature

Description

At the core of this Single Honours degree programme is the study of English and American literature, but opportunity also exists to branch out into historical, cultural and film studies and increasingly to specialize in either English or American literature if you so wish. Each element combines to give you an understanding and appreciation of the wide variety of types of literature and other media, how these inter-relate, and how they interact with their social, cultural and transatlantic contexts, in ways that allow you, year by year, to specialize increasingly. These elements can be combined in different ways and to different degrees depending on how your interests evolve. Opportunity exists to present assessments in a variety of forms, including audio-visual modes.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

At the core of this Single Honours degree programme is the study of English and American literature, but opportunity also exists to branch out into historical, cultural and film studies and increasingly to specialize in either English or American literature if you so wish. Each element combines to give you an understanding and appreciation of the wide variety of types of literature and other media, how these inter-relate, and how they interact with their social, cultural and transatlantic contexts, in ways that allow you, year by year, to specialize increasingly. These elements can be combined in different ways and to different degrees depending on how your interests evolve. Opportunity exists to present assessments in a variety of forms, including audio-visual modes.

First year

The first year is a foundational year of study involving the following modules:

• Foundations of American Literature to 1890
• Literary Aesthetics Before 1800
• Literary Aesthetics After 1800
• Critical Practice
• Transatlantic Literary Relations

In addition, you will study one module of your own choice from a wide range of options.

Second year

The second year has at its core three modules:

• Twentieth Century American Literature and Culture
• A module focusing on medieval or early modern English literature
• A module focusing on nineteenth- or twentieth-century English Literature

In addition to these core modules there is an opportunity to choose from a range of American and Canadian Studies options including African-American Experience, Literature and Illustration, The Twenties: North American Literature and Society. More detailed descriptions of second year options are available below:

• American and Canadian Studies second year modules

Final year

In the final year you select your programme of study from a range of more specialised options, and will also undertake a dissertation (supported by individual supervision). This allows you more autonomy over your focus of study. Options include Contemporary American Literature, Contemporary Canadian Writing, Literary Modernism, Literature and the Law, Contemporary Irish Writing, Fantasy and Fandom, Shakespeare, Death and the Moving Image, Reading and Popular Culture, and Cold War Film.

More detailed descriptions of final year options are available below:

• English Literature final year modules
• American and Canadian Studies final year modules

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 80(Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test : 93

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB

Required subjects and grades: English Literature or English Language and Literature A level at grade A

General Studies: not accepted

International Baccalaureate: 35 points to include English at higher level with a minimum of 6 points

Additional information:

Other qualifications are considered

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.