English Language vs. English Literature

Okay, so I have quite a few questions on this topic, so I thought I would consolidate them all into one thread:-

-I have heard that English Literature is better considered at university. However, I was wondering if this is always the case?

-Also, what is the difference between each of these and their equivalent at GCSE? For example, if you didn't like Lit at GCSE, is it better at A Level?

-Is it necessary to do Lit rather than Language for a degree in Law/History?

-People who already study these subjects, do you enjoy them?

-Finally, what do you think about taking both, or is it better just to do one or the other??

Reply 1

georgeflynn

9

english lit is much more respected, much more powerful and opens more doors

English lit completely owns Lang

English Lit > Lang

Lang is Lit's bitch

Just imagine batman and robin, and you have your comparison

Reply 2

Joell3

7

Original post by Kimiechi

Okay, so I have quite a few questions on this topic, so I thought I would consolidate them all into one thread:-

-I have heard that English Literature is better considered at university. However, I was wondering if this is always the case?

-Also, what is the difference between each of these and their equivalent at GCSE? For example, if you didn't like Lit at GCSE, is it better at A Level?

-Is it necessary to do Lit rather than Language for a degree in Law/History?

-People who already study these subjects, do you enjoy them?

-Finally, what do you think about taking both, or is it better just to do one or the other??

It is always the case that Lit is more respected than Lang, unless possibly you wanted to take a degree in Linguistics. Lit is ALOT better at Alevel, the texts you study are more interesting and there is alot more variety. I think it's probably better just to do one or the other unless you truly love both. Language is very much about the study of words themselves, linguistics, how childrens speech develops, examining a variety of texts (adverts, newspapers, speeches) as opposed to Literature which is the study of books and poems.

I would advise if you are looking at a degree in History or Law to take Lit, it is a highly desirable subject and will help you develop many transferable skills (I take Lit and History and they definately compliment one another well).

Good luck :smile:

Reply 3

Madhvi5

8

English Literature definitely. No argument.

Reply 4

HolyFuzazzle

10

Original post by Joell3

It is always the case that Lit is more respected than Lang, unless possibly you wanted to take a degree in Linguistics. Lit is ALOT better at Alevel, the texts you study are more interesting and there is alot more variety. I think it's probably better just to do one or the other unless you truly love both. Language is very much about the study of words themselves, linguistics, how childrens speech develops, examining a variety of texts (adverts, newspapers, speeches) as opposed to Literature which is the study of books and poems.

I would advise if you are looking at a degree in History or Law to take Lit, it is a highly desirable subject and will help you develop many transferable skills (I take Lit and History and they definately compliment one another well).

Good luck :smile:

This, exactly =3

Reply 5

Lollyage

14

For a degree in Law or History, I'd suggest English Literature.

Reply 6

Yaya_abukar

7

kjhk

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 7

Kimiechi

OP

11

I think it's probably better just to do one or the other unless you truly love both

Would it be that bad to do both? Only if I don't do language I'll have to take something like Psychology or Economics instead, and I don't really want to take those.

Reply 8

Lollyage

14

Original post by Yaya_abukar

language for the win becuase we speak the english language not lit =) (thumbs up if you do too !!=])

Language for the win in general :biggrin:

But I guess lit would be more helpful to the OP

Reply 9

Meghaan

Or theres the combined A Level which I do :smile:

Reply 10

Kimiechi

OP

11

Or theres the combined A Level which I do

Unfortunately my school doesn't offer the combined A Level :frown:

Reply 11

Joell3

7

Original post by Kimiechi

Would it be that bad to do both? Only if I don't do language I'll have to take something like Psychology or Economics instead, and I don't really want to take those.

There's nothing bad about doing both at all, however there are many other subjects that would compliment a History or Law degree that I would advise you should strongly consider such as Religious Studies, Philosophy and Politics.

Reply 12

Kimiechi

OP

11

I would advise you should strongly consider such as Religious Studies, Philosophy and Politics.

My school doesn't offer any of those!! :frown:

How are History (obviously!), Maths and French (as well as English Lit/Lang)??

Reply 13

Spanghew

11

I did English Language at A Level, because it tied in very nicely with my French and German.

It's not a case of one being better than the other. They're pretty different subjects.

Reply 14

vfaz

I do english lit (AQA), much better than gcse in terms of choice of reading etc. and I really enjoy it. would also say it's definately better respected from what i've heard, and defintely for law/history.

Reply 15

Tateco

14

Lit is more respected for both Law, History and basically every degree you can think of. Except maybe something like creative writing at DMU.

Reply 16

Retrodiction

19

Literature if you think fiction studies is a worthwhile pursuit.
Language if you think a broad grounding in linguistic theory (psychological, sociological, and general technical details) is more your thing.

I did both at a-level and would say they're of equal difficulty - I had a godawful lit teacher, though. With lit and lang teachers of equal competence I would say lang is harder, though it obviously varies from person to person.

Reply 17

Tateco

14

Original post by Kimiechi

My school doesn't offer any of those!! :frown:

How are History (obviously!), Maths and French (as well as English Lit/Lang)??

History, Maths, French and English LIT would be a very strong set indeed for law and History :smile:

Reply 18

Turnerf

8

Original post by Kimiechi

Okay, so I have quite a few questions on this topic, so I thought I would consolidate them all into one thread:-

-I have heard that English Literature is better considered at university. However, I was wondering if this is always the case?

-Also, what is the difference between each of these and their equivalent at GCSE? For example, if you didn't like Lit at GCSE, is it better at A Level?

-Is it necessary to do Lit rather than Language for a degree in Law/History?

-People who already study these subjects, do you enjoy them?

-Finally, what do you think about taking both, or is it better just to do one or the other??

English Literature is FAR better respected. It opens more doors, and you stand out more. It is harder, therefore more respected.

I didnt love it at GCSE, i really enjoy it now (about to do my A2's). But it depends on the texts you study i guess :smile:

You need english literature for law

English literature goes FAR better with history as a subject

If you want to do both (wouldn't recommend) then why not take a combined course, english lang and lit together??

take literature though :smile:

Reply 19

us3481jd

5

http://www.king-james.co.uk/documents/KeyDocs/SixthFormInfo1112.pdf
look at page 23
look at page 34

English Lit is better

English Language vs. English Literature

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