English Literature

Your taught classes will be an engaging mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each lecture will focus on giving you the background knowledge you need, while the seminars will feature lively gro0up discussion where you’ll get to share ideas and have cultural and literary debates.

During the course you’ll study modules on popular, contemporary and classical literature. We often focus on innovation in fictional narratives, from novels for young adults to fantasy, science fiction and graphic novels.

We assess you through a variety of coursework assignments, which are likely to include essays and critical commentaries, writing a blog, presentations and group work. You’ll have access to great resources such as our Livesey Library and Blackboard, an online learning environment.

You’ll benefit from being taught by tutors who are experts in English Literature. Many have worked for major media companies, including the BBC (both television and radio) and PBS America. They have also acted as consultants for cultural and literary institutions such as Lancaster Theatre Productions and the Lancaster Literature Festival. Others have delivered high profile events at the Whitworth Gallery; The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library; and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool.

Many of your tutors are also major researchers. We recently launched an internationally recognised centre, the Institute for Black Atlantic Research (IBAR), and we regularly invite distinguished writers and guest speakers such as author and playwright Caryl Phillips, Jackie Kay and Jacqueline Wilson.

A real highlight of this course is our unique Live Literature Module, where you’ll deliver an exciting project for a real client. This could involve organising a literature festival, creative writing competition, conference or exhibition.

Throughout the course you’ll also get opportunities to meet professional writers, literary critics and other industry insiders. We’ll also take you on some fantastic trips – you’ll have the chance to see a Shakespeare play performed live in the Bard’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, and visit other important literary sites.

We are affiliated with a number of professional academic bodies, including:

• The British Association for American Studies
• European Association for American Studies
• Transatlantic Studies Association
• Collegium for African American Research
• National Black Arts Association
• Multi-Ethnic Studies Europe and America (MESEA)
• Centre for the Study of International Slavery (International Slavery Museum)