English and American Literature

About this programme

On BA English & American Literature, you will have the opportunity to explore the distinct but interrelated literary traditions of two nations and cultures spanning five centuries, from the early 1600s to the present day. This degree is directly informed by the creative and critical mix of academic experts in the College's top-rated English department. You will begin the degree with a grounding in the two distinct literary cultures, then you choose options allowing you to explore different periods, genres and topics. In your final year you will continue to follow your own interests, specialising and taking research-based options or writing a dissertation. You'll be exposed to a wide variety of areas in American literature, including the literature of the first encounter, nineteenth-century and African-American writing, satire, New York School poetry, drama, the urban novel and writing about music and the novella. In addition you can take advantage of an exceptional range of options in English literature, theory and postcolonial literature. You will have the chance to take courses in other departments, studying American history or film, to broaden your understanding of America and will be offered the chance to study abroad, enhancing your understanding of the USA or another country. You can go beyond the study of existing literature, with the opportunity to take modules in creative writing and will be taught by academics who have won national and College prizes for teaching and for their publications.