BA (Hons) ENGLISH LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY
BA (HONS) ENGLISH LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY
Writers and philosophers consider the same universal questions using different approaches. By studying English Literature and Philosophy together, you get to read and discuss the literature you love with staff and students in our world-famous School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, while also exploring the deep philosophical questions with philosophy students and staff, who will make you think twice and read again.
Our degree course provides roughly equal proportions of both subjects, but there’s scope to adjust the balance towards more literature or more philosophy if you wish, as your interests deepen. In fact, there are staff in both departments whose research and teaching interests cross between the two disciplines. And in your second year you’ll have a co-taught module that combines the two together in an exciting way – all of which makes for a university experience you’ll never forget.
About
How are we to live? What is justice? How can our minds know the world? What is truth? Can we prove anything about God? How do we tell good reasoning from bad?
The study of philosophy considers these questions in a systematic attempt to make sense of human life and the world in which we live. And literature is another, equally important way that we try to make sense of human life and the questions it raises.
In this course, you’ll discover how these two disciplines spark off each other to deepen your understanding of both. You’ll discover how philosophers and writers explore existential aspects of the human condition in diverse ways. You’ll examine the literary artistry of thinkers such as Plato and Nietzsche, who invite us into philosophy in exciting and unexpected ways. And you’ll discuss how novels, poems and dramatic works uncover special kinds of truth about the world.
To study literature and philosophy together is to understand the influence one has on the other – and the way different minds work. Approached together in a single degree they’re incredibly stimulating, with the study of one enriching your study of the other.
You’ll especially love this course if you’re interested in existential and intellectual themes in literature. You’ll choose from the full range of modules in both Philosophy and English Literature, developing skills in both fields. Interdisciplinary links are emphasised, and in your second year you will take a dedicated module that brings the two subjects together.
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
You could expand your horizons by choosing to spend a semester of your second year studying abroad at one of UEA’s partner universities. You’d spend the autumn semester completing three modules at UEA, then transfer overseas in the spring.
You will not only experience life in a different country and make international connections, you’ll also make yourself even more attractive to prospective employers, who value the skills of resourcefulness and resilience that studying abroad will bring you.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
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After the Course
UEA English Literature and Philosophy graduates have gone on to do great things in a wide range of professions. The reasoning and critical thinking skills that you’ll develop will prepare you for all kinds of roles in the professional sphere. They include:
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Precise and effective communication skills
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The ability to analyse data and information, and to correct faulty reasoning
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Listening carefully to others, with empathy and rigorous attention to detail
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Innovative and original ideas supported by reason
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The ability to use your imagination, think creatively, and offer critical appraisal
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Law
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Journalism
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Civil service
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Cultural industries
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Teaching or lecturing
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Charity and environmental work
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Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are at the level of the module and consist of a mixture of exam, class tests, essays, and journal entries. The assessments for Year 1 do not contribute to your final degree classification.
You will receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Assessment for Year 2
Our assessments at the level of the module and comprise of module essays and other written projects, including class presentations, and long-form essays based on the module topic. This is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
Assessment for Year 3
The third year is the same as Year 2 except with the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words on a topic of choosing where you will be under the supervision of a member of the school.
The constructive feedback will be substantial throughout so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.
Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are at the level of the module and consist of a mixture of exam, class tests, essays, and journal entries. The assessments for Year 1 do not contribute to your final degree classification.
You will receive constructive feedback on both your formative and summative assessments to help you develop your understanding and skills.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
Our assessments at the level of the module and comprise of module essays and other written projects, including class presentations, and long-form essays based on the module topic. This is meant to help you improve your performance in the summative tasks.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students can only take ONE dissertation but may take a further Philosophy Special Subject in addition, if suitably qualified. Students wishing to take the Philosophy dissertation or special subject modules must complete the form circulated in advance of the Enrolment Fair. Students should aim to pick an even balance of credits in each semester. Students can take a maximum of 30 credits of Level 5 modules in their final year of studies. Most students will choose four 30-credit modules at year three. It is also possible to take two 30-credit modules, and three 20-credit modules. Students taking the latter route will need to select two 20-credit modules from Range C plus the 20-credit module PPLP6147A .
Assessment for Year 3
The third year is the same as Year 2 except with the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words on a topic of choosing where you will be under the supervision of a member of the school.
The constructive feedback will be substantial throughout so that you can deliver your best work as part of your summative assessment.
Your final degree result is based on the marks for all your modules in the last two years, weighted 40:60 so that more importance is attached to the fully mature work of your third year.