English Language & Literature (Foundation Entry)

We work on the principle of shared learning. You’ll learn through traditional academic lectures and also be involved in learning sessions, seminars, practical workshops and student presentations.

Our library is updated regularly and we make use of extensive online resources.

Your classroom activities will include sessions on project management and problem-solving, team-working, work experience skills such as transferability, personal and career development as well as on producing a report and accompanying material and CVs.

You’ll also participate in projects outside the University, in partnership with local businesses and community groups.

We use a variety of assessment methods including coursework assignments, student presentations and group-work activities, such as the construction of a literary blog and the planning of a literary festival or academic style conference. Some modules include a written examination, which accounts for 50% or less of the overall module mark.

Our team work with the media, including the BBC, both television and radio, as well as PBS America.

They act as consultants with a range of businesses, such as Lancaster Theatre Productions and The Lancaster Literature Festival. We’re also involved with events at the Whitworth Gallery, The Harris Museum and Library and International Slavery Museum, Liverpool.

We have links with a network of schools in the region for those interested in pursuing careers in teaching and education.

We also have affiliations with a number of professional academic bodies, such as the British Association for American Studies, European Association for American Studies, Transatlantic Studies Association, Collegium for African American Research, the National Black Arts Association, Multi-Ethnic Studies Europe and America (MESEA) and Centre for the Study of International Slavery at the International Slavery Museum.

Some of the highlights of this programme include:

• A creative mix of tradition and innovation in topic and delivery.

• Modules in popular culture and contemporary literature as well as studies in classical literature.
• The study of traditional literature from the sixteenth century to the contemporary era, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, as well as ‘new’ fictions, for example, in American literature and culture, gothic fictions, film adaptation and children’s literature.
• A chance to gain valuable work experience relating to your studies - for example our work-related live project which could include planning for a conference, literature festival, reading project, setting up an exhibition and much more through the ELSIE Project.
• Support from the University’s Worldwise Learning Centre, where you can access the latest language learning and digital technologies, including Rosetta Stone.
• Learning with research-active tutors, who are specialists in their fields. You’ll get the opportunity to work with them as well as writing an article for Diffusion, a journal published by the University featuring supervised undergraduate research.
• Field trips to museums, archival resources, readings and theatres, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford to view a play; and Dove Cottage and other literary sites in the Lake District.
• An opportunity to meet writers and literary critics.