English Literature

Culture, Criticism, Literature 1

In this module, you’ll gain the tools you need to succeed in your degree. The gap between school and university can feel daunting, but these positive study and self-management skills will unlock your academic and creative potential, allowing you to thrive. You’ll gain skills in:

• active close-reading
• critical analysis 
• research
• bibliography and referencing.
• reading a wide range of texts
• understanding writers’ stylistic choices

You’ll be taught in small groups (seminars), allowing you to delve fully into your ideas and those of others. Seminars involve weekly close-reading, discussion and critique, as well as writing and research exercises. 

Culture, Criticism and Literature 2

Are all interpretations of literature equally true? Is it fair to consider some texts as more influential than others? In this module, you’ll build on the skills you’ve gained from your Culture, Criticism and Literature 1 module. You’ll gain key skills in essay-planning and constructing a persuasive argument, allowing you to succeed in your assessments. You’ll develop key analytical knowledge, as you practise how to read and write critically. You’ll consider how your circumstances might affect the way you read and how your way of reading would change depending on your situation. You’ll challenge your own assumptions about the world, and how these affect your perspective as a literary critic.

Reading Oxford

In this module, you’ll investigate Oxford’s rich literary life, both past and present. You’ll dive into texts written, performed and set in Oxford, as you think about how the city’s literature is shaped by its geography, population and reputation. You’ll read established texts and writers, as well as literature outside of centres of power and privilege. You’ll think critically about yourself and your own writing and analysis, in relation to the city’s spaces. You'll spend some time getting to know your new home by walking around it, and you'll be asked to create your own guided literary tour of the city. 

Shakespeare

In this module, you’ll explore Shakespeare and gain the skills to study his writing at university. You’ll dive into Shakespeare’s wide range of plays and poems, exploring him not only as a cornerstone of English literary tradition, but as a global phenomenon. You’ll dig into Shakespeare’s language, themes and genres through:

• film
• visual art
• other media. 

You’ll gain key analytical skills as you explore the cultural context in which Shakespeare wrote, and investigate his impact on the world. You’ll also watch live Shakespearan performances as part of your study.
 

Critical Theory in Action

In this module, you’ll get to grips with key elements of literary criticism and theory. You’ll debate pressing critical questions, and develop your awareness of issues that are key to understanding literature and society.  

You’ll build on the knowledge you’ve gained in your other introductory English modules and you'll learn to think quickly but carefully about yourself and your place in the world, enabling you to excel in both academically and professionally. You’ll increase your knowledge of:

• a range of theoretical and critical concepts
• how those concepts can be applied to literary texts from different periods; 
• how these theories apply to issues of language, culture, and textuality.

You’ll cover one text over two weeks, applying a new theory or critical framework to it each week. You’ll gain skills and strategies that will benefit you for your whole degree.

World Literature

In this module, you’ll investigate literature from a diverse range of cultures beyond the British Isles. You’ll look at the relationship between cultures, and criticism, textual form and genre. You’ll explore the development of the English language across the world. You’ll gain key analytical skills as you examine issues of meaning that arise when we translate literature into different languages and contexts. You’ll also develop knowledge of:

• literature and its global context
• postcolonial theory and its relevance to the flourishing of different perspectives
• culturally and historically significant literary forms
• the ideologies which help to shape our views of the world.

Understanding Digital Cultures

Are you interested in exploring how digital technologies are shaping our everyday lives within government, business, education, social and entertainment contexts? In this module, you’ll explore the impact changing digital cultures has on our institutions, communication practices and consumption habits. You’ll examine aspects of digital cultures through some of the objects and practices that they themselves engage with. And, you’ll be given opportunities to reflect on issues of identity, relationships, privacy, truth, and power through researching aspects of your own digital life and experiences.

Creative Writing (Introduction)

In this module, you’ll enhance your power and ability as a creative writer. You’ll attend workshops where you’ll learn through reading, writing, discussion and feedback. You’ll practise your own writing, explore the interplay of creativity and craft, and analyse how you work as a writer. You’ll join other students in exploring key approaches in poetry and prose, through:

• practical writing exercises 
• discussing each-other’s work
• critically analysing the work of published writers
• exploring key writing practices. 

You’ll produce a portfolio of original creative writing, as well as a study of the aims and processes of your creative work. You’ll develop excellent writing habits, and the ability to reflect on your own writing practices. You’ll also understand the literary and cultural context of your own writing.

Approaches to Performance

In this module, you’ll examine theatre in the spotlight - and gain a range of theatrical skills. You’ll question the false difference between performance in practice and performance theory. You’ll explore a range of key performance ideas, including how to stage Expressionist theatre or draw on rehearsal techniques for Naturalist performance. You’ll gain firm knowledge of theatrical forms and approaches to performance, such as: 

• Naturalism
• Performing modernist political theatre
• melodrama
• Staging and lighting

You’ll also pay attention to your own actions as you learn, enhancing your knowledge of theatrical skills.