English studies

English Studies

The English Studies programme combines the academic study of literature and linguistics, ultimately leading to specialisation in one of these disciplines. Through research and critical thinking about texts from many eras and genres, you will learn to develop, articulate and defend your ideas clearly and with confidence.

Although all courses are conducted in English and require a level of proficiency comparable to that expected at a university in an English-speaking country, we consider the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of our students to be an enriching aspect of the programme.

Outcome

Our students gain skills applicable to a range of careers, including media (journalism, publishing, TV, radio, film), teaching, business and administration. You will learn to analyse, evaluate, and create texts — transferable skills that are sought after by employers who value clear arguments, logical analysis, careful management of complex information, creative solutions and the use of initiative in conducting research.

The bachelor's programme provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in linguistics or literature, creative writing, and teaching, along with other fields.

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments;
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously; and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in English, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level;
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge; and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in English.

Course Structure

The bachelor's programme in English Studies aims to reflect the diversity of contemporary English scholarship while simultaneously reflecting the research interests of the faculty. The programme is therefore designed around current understandings of the theory and practice of language and literature in their various social forms.

In linguistics, we emphasise fields such as phonetics, sociolinguistics, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse analysis, along with how the English language has developed as a global language of communication. In literary studies, the focus is the study of language-centred cultural production in general, particularly with regards to narrative, relations between text and image, and literary and cultural theory.

Specific attention is also given to examining how power operates through language, concentrating especially on gender, class, and ethnicity/race, but also on how technology and aesthetics contribute to contemporary understandings of the world.