The key differences between a pure English Literature and a combined litlang one?

2

I want to pursue an English degree (literature focused) and I'm currently in the depths of UCAS applications and personal statements, consuming as many websties and information that I can in order to gain some insight or answers. Simply put, what are the main different between pure English Literature and a combined degree of English Lang and Lit? Obviously, you study language in great detail with the combined course but I feel as though that would be focused more on the sound, development and history of English (which, I can't lie im not that interested in) instead of using literary and language techniques.
I am currently in the second year of my English language and literature combined A level (wjec board) and I absolutely love it. We speak about the effect that certain words have on the text and different word classes, while also discussing techniques such as paralell syntax, premodified noun phrases, phonology, metaphors/similes ect and I want to know whether this applies in university as well when just doing a pure literature degree.
The reason as to why I'm asking is because my friend who is in a different sixth form studies A level English Literature and she doesn't have to learn about half the stuff that I do. I really enjoy the aspects of language that we use in my lessons but I'd assume that an English Literature degree would naturally bring this in?
(Sorry if this is wordy or whatever my brain is fried after handing in my first NEA draft 💔💔)
If anyone could clear it up, that would be great thanks!!

Reply 1

cadiwynner

OP

2

also just some extra info, I would usually structure an answer something like
"the *insert question wording* is seen in the *theme/moment* and this is shown through * *quote* and the use of *term* highlights this, as well as *term*...*analysis* and then link it to context and the question.
So there is a large reliance on literary techniques often times taking around 25% worth of marks.

Reply 2

WaistcoatRich

10

Two variables to consider: What you want the Language for, and where you are considering? I studied Lit & Lang through the OU because I wanted to 'get my ear in' for the way spoken language behaves, improving dialogue in my creative writing as well as understanding the relationship between form and function in communication more generally. Obviously the OU doesn't ask students to spend time in linguistics labs; Lancaster, for example, might have an entirely different emphasis, Linguistics being one of their strengths.
Focus closely on the modules on offer, and ensure that they fit with your career and/or postgraduate ambitions, as well as being something you can generate a passion for. When you typed 'sound, development and history of English (which, I can't lie im not that interested in)', that suggests to me you would enjoy pure Lit far more. If you’re Lang-curious, the university library is still right there!

Reply 3

cadiwynner

OP

2

Original post

by WaistcoatRich

Two variables to consider: What you want the Language for, and where you are considering? I studied Lit & Lang through the OU because I wanted to 'get my ear in' for the way spoken language behaves, improving dialogue in my creative writing as well as understanding the relationship between form and function in communication more generally. Obviously the OU doesn't ask students to spend time in linguistics labs; Lancaster, for example, might have an entirely different emphasis, Linguistics being one of their strengths.
Focus closely on the modules on offer, and ensure that they fit with your career and/or postgraduate ambitions, as well as being something you can generate a passion for. When you typed 'sound, development and history of English (which, I can't lie im not that interested in)', that suggests to me you would enjoy pure Lit far more. If you’re Lang-curious, the university library is still right there!

Currently, my first choice is Cardiff Uni with Birmingham and Leeds close behind, and so far I have applied for eng lit and journalism. Basically, the main question I'm asking is whether there's still a reliance on techniques such as analysing an extract or passage with the use of linguistic techniques. Such as why this metaphor is so impactful and how the lexis and syntax of it creates an impact. Uses of fronted conjunctions as opposed to coordinating ones.
Thank you so much for replying anyways, I found your answer very insightful!

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by cadiwynner

I want to pursue an English degree (literature focused) and I'm currently in the depths of UCAS applications and personal statements, consuming as many websties and information that I can in order to gain some insight or answers. Simply put, what are the main different between pure English Literature and a combined degree of English Lang and Lit? Obviously, you study language in great detail with the combined course but I feel as though that would be focused more on the sound, development and history of English (which, I can't lie im not that interested in) instead of using literary and language techniques.
I am currently in the second year of my English language and literature combined A level (wjec board) and I absolutely love it. We speak about the effect that certain words have on the text and different word classes, while also discussing techniques such as paralell syntax, premodified noun phrases, phonology, metaphors/similes ect and I want to know whether this applies in university as well when just doing a pure literature degree.
The reason as to why I'm asking is because my friend who is in a different sixth form studies A level English Literature and she doesn't have to learn about half the stuff that I do. I really enjoy the aspects of language that we use in my lessons but I'd assume that an English Literature degree would naturally bring this in?
(Sorry if this is wordy or whatever my brain is fried after handing in my first NEA draft 💔💔)
If anyone could clear it up, that would be great thanks!!

This varies depending on the uni.

Oxford's course is called "English Literature and Language", however the "language" part refers more specifically to studying Old and Middle English (and optionally other topics in English philology). That said I think there are some linguistics-aligned options available in the final honour school as well, and the Course II variant also includes courses in the history of the English language and similar.

At most other unis it's more similar to the A-level, i.e. a combined course in English literature and in linguistics (usually more applied and English linguistics) so a lot of the topics you've covered relating to e.g. syntax, phonology, morphology, semantics etc may come in. You wouldn't usually cover the more linguistic theory aligned content in a single honours English literature degree.

However options in e.g. the history of the English language and maybe less commonly some topics like corpus linguistics might be more often available in a single honours degree (such as the Oxford example; also e.g. UCL). Also you will probably need to think a bit about e.g. the syntax of a particular line, or matters of metaphor and metonymy in the process of "doing" literary analysis in an English degree. You just are less likely to be drawing syntax trees or constructing phonological rules :smile:

It sounds like a joint honours degree or one which has some options in the linguistics regime might be a good fit for your interests!

Reply 5

offline.tal

9

Original post

by cadiwynner

I want to pursue an English degree (literature focused) and I'm currently in the depths of UCAS applications and personal statements, consuming as many websties and information that I can in order to gain some insight or answers. Simply put, what are the main different between pure English Literature and a combined degree of English Lang and Lit? Obviously, you study language in great detail with the combined course but I feel as though that would be focused more on the sound, development and history of English (which, I can't lie im not that interested in) instead of using literary and language techniques.
I am currently in the second year of my English language and literature combined A level (wjec board) and I absolutely love it. We speak about the effect that certain words have on the text and different word classes, while also discussing techniques such as paralell syntax, premodified noun phrases, phonology, metaphors/similes ect and I want to know whether this applies in university as well when just doing a pure literature degree.
The reason as to why I'm asking is because my friend who is in a different sixth form studies A level English Literature and she doesn't have to learn about half the stuff that I do. I really enjoy the aspects of language that we use in my lessons but I'd assume that an English Literature degree would naturally bring this in?
(Sorry if this is wordy or whatever my brain is fried after handing in my first NEA draft 💔💔)
If anyone could clear it up, that would be great thanks!!

As someone who does English Literature and Language as two separate A-levels, I’m only making Uni applications for Literature. I would assume that with Language at uni it would be very similar to A-level with focus on sound, language development, and linguists. Some of Language at A-level is okay but some of it really sucks (e.g. learning about the IPA) and I would rather stick to Literature. I did consider Language before but I don’t think it’s for me. You just need to do more research into the Lit and Lang courses to see if it interests you

The key differences between a pure English Literature and a combined litlang one?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated