English BA (Hons)

" English BA (Hons)

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— Coventry University (@covcampus) February 9, 2015 OVERVIEW

This English course runs in 2016/17.

The English language is fundamental to almost everything we do at work or play. This course allows you to specialise in English Language and Linguistics, English Literature or a combination of Language and Literature.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

English is fundamental to almost everything we do at work or play. An understanding of the language and an ability to use it enhances your life in so many ways, and is of great importance in a wide range of professions.

Should you decide to study English Language, you will be studying the most dynamic language on the planet. You will develop an understanding of English as a system of communication, as a means of defining the world and ourselves, as an instrument in the construction of global identities, and as a generator in the development of the mind and of society.

Maybe English Literature is your real interest, you may have an emerging talent for exploring novels, short stories, poetry or drama. The study of English Literature, like that of the language, has a strong emphasis on the contemporary English-speaking world. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own creative writing skills.

If you choose this course you will benefit from:

• a course design that allows you to specialise in English Language and Linguistics, English Literature or a combination of Language and Literature;
• the opportunity to develop a practical and career focused orientation by enhancing your critical
  thinking and developing the communication skills employers want;
• the opportunity to apply for a work placement, which is not only a valuable experience but will also give you an edge when applying for jobs;
• the opportunity to volunteer in schools as a teaching assistant or to present one-day courses to students in Years 11-13;
• the ability to design your study around your chosen areas of interest;
• encouragement to study, analyse and report on the way people use the English language in real-life situations;
• the opportunity to gain an insight into other cultures and other ways of representing the world through the study of literature;
• the option to spend a year studying or working overseas, which provides you with an international experience;
• the opportunity to take part in the English and Languages Society, contribute to the Coventry Words magazine and participate in cultural trips.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

In your first year you will develop an understanding of language, literature and stylistics.

In your second year you may continue to study both language and literature, or instead choose to focus on language (for example, Discourse in a Social Context) or literature (for example, Contemporary Fiction and Shakespeare). Within these routes there are further choices, such as contextual stylistics, sociolinguistics, colonial literature or contemporary American literature.

You will continue your chosen route in your final year, completing a dissertation. Specialist topics might include Critical Discourse Analysis, Corpus Stylistics, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction, Postcolonial Literature or Contemporary African-American Literature.

HOW WILL THIS COURSE BE TAUGHT?

Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars and practical workshop classes. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice.

If you are interested in part-time study (which is taught during the day) please contact the Part-time Admissions team on +44 (0) 24 7765 4321 or email part-time.uni@coventry.ac.uk for further information, but please note that not all courses have a part-time option.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

An estimated percentage breakdown of how your final grade is assessed is as follows: formal examinations 35%; coursework, tests, essays 40%; practical or project work 10%; group work etc. 5%; presentations, posters etc. 10%.

A compulsory Add+vantage module must also be completed: please see the page on the Add+vantage scheme for more details.

TEACHING CONTACT HOURS

In a typical week you will have up to 13 contact hours of teaching which could break down as:

Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 1 hour session (as individuals or in small groups) as well as individual project supervision in your final year

Medium group teaching: 7 hours of practical workshops or seminars each week

Large group teaching: 5 hours of lectures each week

Personal study: 27 hours each week studying and revising in your own time, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

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