B.A. English with Education

Full-time students are expected to complete six modules per year: normally three modules in each semester. The rules governing the selection of modules vary depending on the year of study that you are in.

In the first year, the English department offers five modules available to main English students, three in Semester 1 and two in Semester 2.

The key elements of English provision in year ONE are the two compulsory modules, ‘Elements of Criticism’ (Semester 1) and ‘Modes of Reading’ (Semester 2). These modules, which introduce the basic tools of literary criticism and some concepts of critical theory, must be taken by all students reading BA Hons English, as well as by all combined degree students wishing to continue with English in years 2 and 3.The remaining modules, ‘Literature and Society in Ireland: An Introduction’ (Semester 2), ‘Writing Matters’ and ‘Contemporary British Fiction’ (both Semester 1), are optional modules designed for those who want to focus from the very beginning on English.

In the second and third years, major English students normally take four English modules and two modules in their other subject. There are two compulsory English modules in each year: in the second year, ‘Early Modern English Culture’ (Semester 1) and ‘Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature’ (Semester 2); in the third year ‘Romantics and Victorians’ (Semester 1) and ‘Twentieth–Century Literature’ (Semester 2). Main students can choose whether to write their final year dissertation (either semester) in English or their other subject.

‘Supported by a member of the teaching team, you will also write a final year dissertation (in either semester) on a subject of your choice’

Contact/teaching and study hours

In English, you are normally expected to attend three hours per module per week: usually this translates into two lecture hours and one seminar hour per module. Over the course of a semester, on one module you are likely to receive up to 24 hours of lectures (2 lectures per week for 12 weeks) plus one seminar per week (i.e. 11 hours of seminars between weeks 2 and 12); and you will be expected to undertake 165 hours of independent study. In the latter, you are to engage with guided reading and research, producing coursework for submission, and / or exam preparation.

Additional ‘contact hours’ with staff are available, for example, during each staff member’s office hours per week. These hours are signposted on office doors. Alternatively, appointments with staff can be arranged in advance by email.

You will undertake two Education modules of study in each year of the programme.

Year 1 Semester I: An Introduction to Education
Year 1 Semester II: Educating Citizens in a Changing World

Year 2 Semester I: Education & ICT
Year 2 Semester II: EITHER Tutoring in Schools OR Working with Children & Young People with Special Educational Needs

Year 3 Semester I: Children, Young People & the Law
Year 3 Semester II: EITHER Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages OR Education & Conflict