English Literature

In your first year you will study modern literature and literary theory in Modes of Reading; Chaucer, Medieval romance and drama, Sidney, Spenser and Shakespeare in Medieval to Renaissance Literature; traditional epics and novels from different cultures in Epic into Novel; and literature from 1790 to the present in Modern World Literature. Pathways in the second and third years provide you with flexible but coherent learning, focusing on English Literature, North American Literature, World and Comparative Literature or Literary and Cultural Theory. Modules offered include: Shakespeare and Selected Contemporary Dramatists, Romantic and Victorian Poetry, Nineteenth- and Twentieth century American Literature, European Novel, European Theatre, Postcolonial Literature and modules on women’s writing, contemporary literature, and literary and cultural theory. You are encouraged to take up a language and to study modules in other departments. The many options within these four pathways reflect our staff’s research expertise and allow you to focus on topics that are intellectully stimulating and play to your strengths.

How will I learn?

You will experience small-group teaching – the traditional weekly seminar – and central lectures on core modules. You will also encounter Warwick’s uniquely developed ‘open space learning’, which uses performance-based and creative techniques to transform your learning experience.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment combines the traditional (essays and written examinations) with the innovative (creative projects, portfolios and performance). For example, in our Shakespeare and Selected Dramatists of His Time module, student creative work has recently included film and radio adaptations, musical compositions, painting, sculpture and photography inspired by Shakespeare’s texts.