COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of my American and English Literature with a Placement Year degree, I built a strong foundation in both literary traditions. I studied the emergence of American literature, from early colonial writing to post-Civil War modernism, exploring how authors such as Mark Twain, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Langston Hughes responded to themes of identity, race, gender, and nationhood. Alongside this, I explored the global history of English and how it evolved through colonial expansion, cultural exchange, and resistance. Modules such as Writing Across Borders and Reading Now encouraged me to think critically about the political and cultural contexts of language and literature. I developed close reading and analytical skills, learning how literature speaks to its time and continues to resonate across periods and cultures.In my second year, I explored more focused areas, such as Transatlantic Cultures, which examined the complex flows of people, ideas, and art across the Atlantic. I also studied Contemporary American Fiction, engaging with writers who respond to modern-day concerns like memory, environmental crisis, and globalisation. These modules allowed me to deepen my understanding of literary form while building a critical awareness of the social, political, and historical forces that shape literature.My third year was spent on a professional placement, where I applied my academic skills in a working environment. This gave me practical experience and helped clarify my career aspirations, particularly in relation to roles in publishing, cultural organisations, or the creative industries. It also strengthened my communication, organisation, and research abilities.In my final year, I had the opportunity to specialise further and complete an independent research dissertation. This allowed me to explore a literary topic of personal interest in depth and under expert supervision. It was a rewarding culmination to a degree that has been both intellectually challenging and creatively fulfilling.