English Literature and Philosophy

Description

According to Socrates the most serious question for humanity is: How are we to live? This question, amongst others, is one that philosophy tries to answer. It asks: What is justice? How can our minds know the world? What is truth? Can we prove anything about God? How do we tell good reasoning from bad? Philosophy considers these questions in a systematic attempt to make sense of human life and the world in which it is lived. But there are other ways of trying to make sense of human life and the questions it raises. One of the most important of these is to be found in literature. Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice can be interpreted as a reflection on Socrates’ question; Shakespeare’s play The Tempest raises questions about the gap between the mind and the world, and whether there is such a thing as natural justice; and Eliot’s poem Four Quartets is a meditation on the concealed nature of God. Again and again, artists and philosophers consider the same questions in different ways. This is what makes the combination of English literature and philosophy so fruitful.

This very popular course will be especially suitable for you if you are interested in existential and intellectual themes in literature. Students take a full range of philosophy and literature modules, developing skills in both fields. Interdisciplinary links are emphasised, with some philosophy modules - eg Moral Philosophy, Film and Literature as Philosophy - making ample use of literary examples.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14430 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

• English

Course Content

In Year 1, you take six compulsory modules, three each from philosophy and literature.

In Year 2, you must take one module in English theory and one module from a list of English second-level modules, plus any two second-level philosophy modules. In addition, you are entitled to two free choice modules, which can be chosen from any eligible module within the University. You may choose to focus, doing more philosophy or literature modules, or to broaden your interests by taking modules from another humanity, a social science or even a science. Or you can take a language or a more practical career-based module, in preparation for employment after university.

In your third year, you must take the compulsory literature and philosophy module plus any third-level English module and any two third-level philosophy modules. Some students choose the dissertation module (in either English or philosophy) in the final year: the 10,000-word dissertation, on a philosophical or literary subject, or interdisciplinary between the two, is prepared under the guidance of a tutor (this is recommended for students thinking of going on to do postgraduate study).

Teaching and Assessment

Philosophy thrives on discussion and the exchange of views. Only some parts of it can be done in large lecture classes. So we do have some of those—but when we do, they are designed to set you thinking, not to tell you facts. It's about learning how to think, and how to express what you think, not learning what to say. All the units have small group seminars or tutorials in which you work on the problems with a member of staff.

During the year your written work is marked by the seminar tutors. They give you comments and feedback to help you improve. Time is set aside for you to call on the lecturers to discuss your work or to get individual guidance.

Assessment is by a mixture of essays, longer projects or dissertation, and examinations. Each unit has its own mix of assessment. The degree result is calculated from the results of all the units in your final two years.

Year Abroad

One semester can be spent in Finland, Germany or Greece on the ERASMUS exchange programme.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

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

Requirements

• A Level: AAB-ABB including a B grade in English Literature
• International Baccalaureate: 33-32 points including a score of 5 in Higher Level English
• Scottish Highers: Must have Advanced Higher in English Literature
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB-ABB including a B grade in English Literature
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB-AABBBB including a B grade in English Literature
• Access Course: Please contact the university for further information.
• HND: Please contact the university for further information.
• European Baccalaureate: 80-75% including English Literature

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

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 East Anglia.