English
Why Study English?
Studying English at University will give you the chance to explore a wide range of literature in English, from Shakespearian drama and American novels to Beowulf and the work of Irish writers, and from the study of film to the rich culture and literature of the later middle ages. English as a university subject examines literature in society: how books, plays and poems help to form and develop people’s values, emotions and understanding of the world. It also focuses on the vital skills of communicating and speaking as clearly and effectively as possible, and increasing critical and analytical capacities.
A degree in English is an excellent basis for work in many fields; employers of all kinds value the accuracy, articulacy and capacity for reasoned reflection gained by taking English as a university subject.
Subject Overview
The First Year course covers a sample of literature in various genres and from a range of historical periods. You will study poems, novels and plays, by authors including Brontë, Wilde and Shakespeare, as well as take an introductory course in film. In Second Year the course provides a more thorough grounding in all aspects of English literature up to 1900, with room for choices offered among the various modules. In Third Year we offer a wide range of modules including 21st Century Literature, Irish, English, American and other literatures in English, and Cinema. The School of English covers many fields in our teaching and in our internationally published research. These include writing from many genres and periods, plus Film Studies, Literary Theory and Post-colonial Writing.
Many other fields are well represented in our teaching and in our internationally published research. These include not only American and English in many periods, but also film studies, literary theory and criticism.
Postgraduate Opportunities
For information on postgraduate programmes please see http://www.ucc.ie/en/english/postgrad/
What will you be studying?
Year 1
A sample of literature in various genres and from a range of historical periods.
Year 2
A more thorough grounding in all aspects of English literature up to 1900.
Year 3
A wide range of modules including contemporary Irish, English and American Literature, Theory and Cinema; in all the specialist fields covered by School of English teaching staff.
For full module descriptions, see the Book of Module for English
