English Lang/Lit or English Lit?

So basically I'm deciding which options to take at A Level and I can't seem to make my mind up on whether to take English Literature or English Language & Literature (combined). I'd appreciate any advice that can be given in terms of which course is more respected, more difficult or more enjoyable. Thanks everyone!

(Subjects to be taken at A Level: Maths, Media Studies, Psychology, English [Lit or Lang/Lit])

Reply 1

city_chic

Well I think doing Lang/Lit would be good; I really enjoy English Language.

Reply 2

fonzievision

English Lit is infinitely more respectable as an A-Level in its own right. It's better, more fun, more academic.

Reply 3

kellywood_5

English lit is more respected, but which is more difficult or more enjoyable is an individual thing, so none of us can really answer that for you. Personally I enjoyed English lit and didn't find it particularly difficult, but it depends whether you'd prefer to study some lang topics as well instead of pure lit. Have a look at the sort of things you'd study in the combined course and talk to current/past students for their opinion. You could also look at what texts you'd be studying for lit and see if they appeal to you.

Reply 4

stephanie2007

I did AS Eng Lang and Eng Lit seperatley. I preferred Eng Lit and found it easier and more enjoyable. So i would recommend that.

Reply 5

Wilko_777

Lang/lit isn't the easiest thing to get used to after making the transition from GCSE, as it's a different kettle of fish altogether. To some extent, I regret not doing Literature as I think Lang/lit discouraged reading for me as there isn't as much involved in the course.

Lit. It's amazing.

Lang/lit. You still do all the stuff involved in straightforward Lit, but you get a much deeper understanding of the language which you couldn't get without studying linguistics.

Reply 8

AmyGrace

Thelfo

Lang/lit. You still do all the stuff involved in straightforward Lit, but you get a much deeper understanding of the language which you couldn't get without studying linguistics.

^^ ditto to that
language is an essential part of english i believe. You still get very in depth understanding of lit as well language. The understanding of language gives you a whole new viewpoint and broader understanding of not only novels but transcripts, essays, reports, poems and articles.
I didnt find English lang/lit particularly difficult just more in depth and i definately gained alot from the course.
=]

Reply 9

Shervin

Thanks a lot for all your help on this! It really has helped. I did check up on the language part of the course and it seems there is more creative writing involved in English Lang/Lit than there is in Lit by itself. That's great for me 'cause creative writing is a huge part of why I love English. Also, it seems I can gain a lot more from the Lang/Lit course since you study non fiction stuff too (eg. articles, letters). As a result, I think I'm gonna choose English Lang/Lit, but I'm still keeping my options open so please keep your opinions coming!

Thanks everyone =]

Reply 10

crankycaz

Well, there wouldn't be creative writing in the pure lit course...

If you want to study English at uni, beware of the lang/lit course as some unis don't accept it for some reason. Other than that, go with what suits you best!