Course overview

Literature has long been a key influence on themes and narratives in art production. This wide-ranging and varied course combines the study of visual arts in Europe and North America with the opportunity to study English language, literature and drama from old English to the present day. Art history requires visual awareness and understanding, which enhances the literary and historical focus of English studies and vice versa. You are normally expected to devote half your time to each discipline.

Year one

Year one is a qualifying year, which means that you must pass it, but the results do not count towards your final degree. You gain familiarity with the practices of working at degree level, and gain understanding of the different ways in which historical material can be used. In English Studies, you have a choice of three core modules from the areas of English language, modern English literature, medieval studies and drama.

Year two

Part I of the degree is weighted at 40% of the final assessment. You will demonstrate a greater assurance of working at degree level and in direct aspects of your study with some measure of independence. In English, you will choose core modules to develop your studies in at least two areas of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to choose one literary period option, to explore how and why literature can be read in terms of an historical 'age' or 'epoch'.

Year three

Part II of the degree is weighted at 60% of the overall assessment. At the end of year three, you are expected to demonstrate an efficient use of scholarly apparatus, to take initiative in your work and have some independence of judgement. In English, you choose from a wide range of modules, specialising in key areas of the subject. You have the same range of final year options in English as single honours students.

By the end of the course

You will be able to demonstrate an efficient use of scholarly apparatus, to take initiative in your work, and you will have some independence of judgement. You will have acquired a basic knowledge of modern English linguistic and literary studies, including an understanding of either the area of drama or Old English, and will have knowledge of the linguistic, literary, cultural and historical contexts in which literature is written and read. You will also have knowledge and understanding of the role of the visual in past and contemporary societies and cultures. Your transferable skills will be wide-ranging, including the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, both under pressure and reflectively.

Website

Art History
English Studies