English Literature at Exeter

Prof. Tim Kendall

Head of Department

Why Exeter?

• Inspiring teaching by world-leading academics

• A flexible, challenging programme

• Excellent student support

• Investment in new resources

• We value what our students say

Inspiring Teachers ...

• 45 specialists involved in undergraduate teaching

• Diversity of interests and backgrounds, including creative writing and film

• New and traditional appointments

• (Relatively) young, & still growing!

… Inspiring Research

• 45% of our research

considered world-class

(1st in the UK)*

• Our research enhances

the diversity, quality and

dynamism of our teaching

* Source: RAE 2008

The English Single Honours Programme

• Incredible range – we cover everything from Chaucer to 21st century cyber-culture

• 100% optionality at levels 2 and 3

• A new challenge at every stage

• Exciting, cutting-edge - and hard work!

Valuing our students’ views

• Student surveys of every module

• The National Student Survey (NSS)

• Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

• The Students’ Guild Teaching Awards

Looking to the Future

• Exeter Award, Exeter Leadership Award

• ‘Humanities in the Workplace’ module (level 2)

• Careers consultants in College and University

• In 2010, 93% of Exeter graduates in graduate-

level employment 6 months after leaving

• Destinations include: PGCE/teaching, journalism, marketing, television, publishing, further study

In 2010-11,

• 93% of our students were satisfied with their degree

• 95% were satisfied with our teaching

(Source: NSS)

Studying English at Exeter

Dr Edward Paleit

Admissions Tutor

When you arrive in September ...

A nice summer’s reading ?

The English degree, by stages

Level 1:• 4 compulsory modules + 2 from 4 options• Doesn’t count towards the degree, but

must pass to progress

Level 2:• 4 out of 12 options, 2 pre-1800

Level 3:• 3 out of 35+ options• 8,000-word dissertation

Year 1: the gateway to our degreeThe compulsory starting set:Critical Practice – critical reflection on English literature at University:writing and study skillsApproaches to Criticism – different methods of studying literature, from structuralism and Marxism to feminism and beyondBeginnings – an introduction to literary history, and selected authorsThe Poem – vital knowledge and techniques for laterstages of your degree

Two optional choices, from:Shakespeare, The Novel, Introduction to Film andIntroduction to Creative Writing

• introduces texts, ideas and approaches taught at later stages of the degree

• revises approaches taught at school• allows you to sample new fields of interest

Sample Module: Beginnings (Level 1)• 11 weeks, 11 different texts: from Genesis toMary Wollstonecraft. Also including ... Beowulf, Shakespeare Richard III, John Milton’s Paradise Lost , Alexander Pope – and others

• Themes of heroism, women, nature of writing in different historical contexts

• 2 weekly lectures, 1 weekly 2-hour seminar

• Varied assessment - one critical analysis, 2 essays (one submitted in draft first), a group presentation, and marks for class participation

•Chaucer and His Contemporaries • Desire and Power: English Literature 1570-1640• Renaissance and Revolution: 17th-Century Literature• Theatrical Cultures, Renaissance to Restoration• Satire and the City: English Literature 1660-1750• Revolutions and Evolutions: Victorian Writings •The Shock of the New: Literature 1900-1953 • Spectacular Attractions: Sensation and Cinema• Shots in the Dark: American Film in Profile• Introduction to American Literature • Creative Writing: Finding a Voice• Humanities in the Workplace

Breadth and Depth: Our Year 2

1800

• Acts of Writing: Literature and Film, 1953-present • The Romantics • Comedy, Comedians and Romance • African American Literature, 1900-1960 • Cityscapes• Modern American Women Poets • Imperial Encounters: The Victorians and their World • American Independent Film • Serious Play: Creative Writing Workshop • Shakespeare and Renaissance Tragedy • Crime and Modernity • Classics of Children's Literature • Film and Literature: Textural Transformations • Short Fiction • Literature of the American Deep South • Myths of the Nation: Postcolonial Studies

Some of our Level 3 options:

How will I study?(1) Teaching Methods

• Lectures (1 hour)

• Seminars & Workshops (1-2 hrs)

• Office Hours (15 mins - 1 hour)

• Film screenings

• Total of 10 hours a week

at level 1

(2) Making the most of technology

An Exeter study group -Renaissance and Revolutionin action!

(3) Independent and Group Learning

Assessment

• essays and other written coursework

• creative writing portfolios

• web portfolios and online assessment

• presentations

• level 3 dissertation

• exams

Final degree = 1/3 second yr + 2/3 third yr

Supporting your studies

• Personal tutors – regular academic and pastoral support within the department

• Professional study skills advice throughout the degree

• Investment in resources: • Library (£5.8m)• The Forum Project (£48m)

Exeter’s Ideal Student ... ?Well some real ones, anyway!

James de Souza Imogen Sanders

2006-2007 MA focusing on Digital Literature. Kindle rumours begin, but no word of an iPad yet

2007-2011

PHD, focusing on reading engagement following release of above technologies. Begins developing own module.

Summer 2011hired as teaching

fellow, spends time developing module

written in final year of PHD and tests it on 3rd year theory and MA

NOW supervising

dissertations on digital and videogames, module approved.

THE FUTUREwho knows! The module is set

to develop as technology does…watch this space!

September 1983

Born…

What if I don’t get my grades?

Don’t panic.

Don’t delay.

Call Undergraduate Admissions…