StudyQA — Master: Comparative Literary Studies: American Literature and Culture

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Description Contents Requirements

This exciting new programme gives you the opportunity to develop the study of literature from a variety of perspectives through a number of flexible 'pathways' (Comparative Literature & Criticism; Modern Literary Theory; Modern Literature; American Literature & Culture; Literature of the Caribbean & its Diasporas). These enable you to combine theoretical angles with the close reading of a wide range of texts, from different media (literary, filmic, visual), periods, and cultural, geographic and linguistic backgrounds though all texts will be studied in English, in English translation, or with English subtitles.

Each of the five pathways centres around a core course which will ground you in the specific features of the period/region/theoretical discipline covered. Around this core course you choose from the wide range of options taught in the Department to reflect your own particular interests.

The 'pathways' are as follows:

* - Pathway in Comparative Literature and Criticism
* - Pathway in Modern Literary Theory
* - Pathway in Modern Literature
* - Pathway in Literature of the Caribbean and its Diasporas
* - Pathway in American Literature and Culture

Careers:

Publishing, journalism, public relations, teaching, advertising, the civil service, business, industry, the media.

Skills:

Transferable skills, including enhanced communication and discussion skills in written and oral contexts; the ability to analyse and evaluate different textual materials, the ability to organise information, and to assimilate and evaluate competing arguments.

This pathway of the MA in Comparative Literary Studies aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the literature that has sought to define or has emerged from America. The core course which is at the centre of this pathway, "American Literature & Culture: Critical and Theoretical Concepts", will engage you in a rigorous study of particular phases and applications of American literary criticism and theory, as well as consolidate your knowledge of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American literature.

In particular, you will study some of the ways in which nineteenth- and twentieth-century American literature sought to understand the nation in the face of the fragmenting effects of modernity and postmodernity; competing readings of canonical American texts will enable you to assess how American critical and theoretical conceptions shape American literature, producing different Americas.

While the core course gives you a strong grounding in this field, the flexible structure of the MA will offer you the opportunity to pursue your wider interests by studying three options from the large provision of the department, choosing at least one of these in an area that is relevant to the literature and culture of the Americas. Core course and options will draw on a variety of medias (verbal, visual, filmic). Both the core course and the options are taught by leading specialists of the subject.

You will be able to further develop your interest in American literature and culture through a 15,000-word dissertation to be submitted at the end of your programme of study.

All texts will be studied in English, in English translation, or, in the case of films, with English subtitles.

You should have an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant subject. If your first language is not English you need a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (including 7.0 in the written element) or equivalent. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.