What is English?

The study of English is concerned with the history and practices of writing in English and encompasses literary works spanning English, Anglo-Irish, American and post-colonial cultures. It aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the history of these literatures while also enabling students to develop a sophisticated critical consciousness and an awareness of critical and cultural theory.

 

Compared to (Joint Honours) students, English Studies students cover a longer historical range (including before 1300) and also consider topics such as Popular Literature and Childhood Literature.

 

Do you enjoy:

• Reading texts from a variety of cultural and historical backgrounds?
• Analysing narrative themes and grounding them in personal context?
• Writing critical assessments of works of narrative fiction?

 

English: The course for you?

If you want to study the whole range of developments in English and related literatures, from their earliest beginnings through to contemporary studies in the language, you will enjoy either English Literature or English Studies. If you are interested in English in conjunction with another field (such as History or Philosophy), Joint Honours is probably the best option for you; conversely, if your primary interest is in English, you might consider English Studies.

 

English at Trinity

Our commitment to small-group teaching means that you will benefit from close personal staff supervision, so that your writing and discussion skills develop.

 

Our English courses have been designed to develop independence of critical thought and the articulation of informed discussion, both oral and written. Much of your work will be undertaken independently, and you will have at your disposal the resources of one of the world’s great libraries, with rich resources in the full range of literature in English.

 

The School of English also co-ordinates many non-syllabus activities, such as lecture series, conferences and symposia, with guest lecturers such as Anne Enright, Colm Tóibín, Emma Donoghue, and Richard Ford.

 

The School actively supports several journals of creative and critical writing by undergraduates. Many of our students are involved in student societies, where they take part in activities such as journalism, debating and theatre. In this way we ensure that your time studying English at Trinity is exciting and intense.