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English Literature and the American novel...

Hi all,

I'm not sure whether this is a bit of stupid question but...
...even though I'm applying for English Literature at university can I still talk about American novels in my personal statement, or would I only do that if I were applying for English and American literature?
Thanks! :smile:
Original post by Vsizzle97
Hi all,

I'm not sure whether this is a bit of stupid question but...
...even though I'm applying for English Literature at university can I still talk about American novels in my personal statement, or would I only do that if I were applying for English and American literature?
Thanks! :smile:


"English Literature" typically means British Literature. You can definitely talk about American Literature because if not all, at least most unis do offer modules in American Literature anyway and if that's your interest, then go for it. Try and get some breadth in terms of, don't just talk about American Lit, but talk about other types of Literature too.

I mentioned Ancient Literature in mine, so I'm go for it! Perhaps don't use the obvious ones like The Great Gatsby or Death of a Salesman. Try something like Angels in America, My Antonia, etc.

Which texts are you thinking about mentioning?
Original post by The Empire Odyssey
"English Literature" typically means British Literature. You can definitely talk about American Literature because if not all, at least most unis do offer modules in American Literature anyway and if that's your interest, then go for it. Try and get some breadth in terms of, don't just talk about American Lit, but talk about other types of Literature too.

I mentioned Ancient Literature in mine, so I'm go for it! Perhaps don't use the obvious ones like The Great Gatsby or Death of a Salesman. Try something like Angels in America, My Antonia, etc.

Which texts are you thinking about mentioning?


Disagree with the English Lit being predominantly British lit, for example my degree covered of course, British Literature, as well as literary criticism, American, Russian, French, Irish and much more. I agree however, with the otherwise very strong advice. Try and give some breadth, 2/3 different genre's or cultures, and don't mention cliche books.

I mentioned American Literature and got 5/5 offers from a mix off Russell Groups to "mid rankers"
Original post by NoHeroes94
Disagree with the English Lit being predominantly British lit, for example my degree covered of course, British Literature, as well as literary criticism, American, Russian, French, Irish and much more. I agree however, with the otherwise very strong advice. Try and give some breadth, 2/3 different genre's or cultures, and don't mention cliche books.

I mentioned American Literature and got 5/5 offers from a mix off Russell Groups to "mid rankers"


It honestly depends on the uni, but most 1st and 2nd year modules will be more-ore-less British Literature. 3rd year options are usually the more specialised ones.

For instance, they'll be WW1 Lit (mostly British authors), Gothic Literature, Victorian Literature, Medieval Literature, Pastoral Literature, etc etc.

All the continental literature and European/World Lit comes between 2nd and 3rd year when you can pick specialised modules.

This is what I really meant, if that makes sense? But as I said, it depends on each unis :smile:.

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