English Literature and History, BA (Hons)

Joint Honours in English and History is a cross-disciplinary course, which develops and assesses skills that are common to both disciplines alongside others that are specific to each. The course offers you the opportunity to acquire a range of both literary-critical and historical knowledge, develops the ability to deploy and contextualise a number of subject-specific skills in each discipline, and locates these skills and forms of knowledge in relation to one another.Year 1In the first year, you will take three modules in English Literature and three modules in History.Examples of optional modules in English:Introduction to DramaIntroduction to the NovelIntroduction to PoetryRomance and the Literature of ChivalryEpic and Literature of LegendClassical and Biblical Backgrounds to English Literature.Examples of optional modules in History:Beyond the Northlands: The Vikings and their WorldDecline and Crisis: Europe 1300-1500Early Modern England: A Social HistorySociety and Culture in China under Ming and Qing DynastiesReformation EuropeThe Century of RevolutionMaking HistoryThe Birth of Western Society, 300-1050 AD.Year 2In English, you have a wide choice from among lecture and seminar modules, but must take either Theory and Practice of Literary Criticism or Shakespeare. In History, you are offered modules that provide time-depth and focus on a closely defined period, and modules that are broader and more wide ranging, typically offering a widely delimited chronological and geographical approach.Compulsory modules in English:EITHER / ORTheory and Practice of Literary CriticismShakespeare(although both may be selected).Examples of optional lecture modules in English (taught by weekly lectures and four one-hour tutorials):ChaucerOld EnglishOld NorseOld FrenchRenaissance LiteratureVictorian LiteratureLiterature of the Modern PeriodExamples of optional seminar modules in English (taught by fortnightly two-hour seminars):Jane AustenArthurian LiteratureToni Morrison: Texts and ContextsThe BrontësShakespeare’s History PlaysRomantic Plays and Players (a maximum of one may be selected).Examples of optional modules in History:Conversations with HistoryHard Times: British Society, 1818-1902Robin HoodThe Book of Hours in Medieval Life and ArtThe Court: Art and Power in Early Modern EuropeSelling the Tudor MonarchyPolitical Culture in Japan since 1688Year 3In English, the combination of a range of optional lecture modules and Special Topics is designed to broaden and deepen your knowledge base and analytical skills. In History, the syllabus encourages the detailed study and analysis of historical events, trends and problems by means of a Special Subject (requiring close study of a highly specialised topic using primary source materials) and a Dissertation. The third year also includes the possibility of choosing ‘reflective’ modules which oblige students to study a particular historical problem that will lead them to reflect upon the problematical nature of the historical enterprise, on its technique, historiography and subjectivity.Study AbroadYou may apply to study abroad for an additional year between Levels 2 and 3 (transferring from BA Hons in English Literature and History to BA Hons English Literature and History with a Year Abroad). Supported by the International Office and the Department’s International Co-ordinator, you can put yourself forward for the following study abroad options:The Overseas Exchange programme university-wide links with institutions in North America, the Far East, Australasia etc.Successful year abroad applicants will take a course of study chosen in consultation with the International Co-ordinator and the host institution. Modules relating to literary study should normally comprise a minimum of 50% of those taken. There should not be significant overlap between modules taken on the Year Abroad and modules taken in Durham.