English Language and Literature (Q39)

Here's what Open University says about its English Language and Literature (Q39) course.

If you love the written and spoken word, this course is for you. In this comprehensive and stimulating introduction to English language and literature, you'll investigate how the English language is used in a variety of global contexts, and analyse literature from different historical periods and in diverse cultural settings. You’ll explore writing and speech in a wide range of forms and develop your skills in the interpretation of literary and non-literary texts.

Key features of the course

• Learn how to analyse a wide range of texts, including novels, poetry and drama

• Explore the history of the English language and find out how it has become a global language

• Develop a critical understanding of various approaches to studying literature and language

• Gain skills in critical thinking and analysis that are highly valued in the workplace

This English language and literature degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you'll encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, artworks, ideas and stories. This broad foundation will help you develop the skills and the confident, open approach needed to tackle more specialist language and literature modules at Stages 2 and 3.

In Stage 2, you’ll choose between two English literature modules. One focuses on whether literature matters, drawing on a range of literary texts; the other focuses on how writers of fiction have put together their stories. You’ll also investigate how people learn English, how English has developed into a global language that interacts with other languages, and how written and spoken English varies in different regional and social contexts.

At Stage 3, in English language, you’ll choose between focusing on childhood studies and the language of children’s literature and studying the creative use of the English language. For your English literature studies, you can choose between two important periods of literary production and a focus on the writers whose work is still relevant today. Alternatively, you can develop your creative writing ability.