The department is located on the fifth floor of the humanities building (SO MANY STAIRS).

 

Visit their website for more information here. 

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On the Fifth Floor of FAB, English students have three available spaces to do work or relax: two silent spaces, one shared with the History of Art, and the English hub (where LitSoc's board is located so make sure to check it out!)

 

Personal Tutors

 

You will be assigned a member of academic staff who will act as your personal tutor for the duration of your degree. Your personal tutor will be able to assist you with any problems you have with settling into university life. As well as offering pastoral support, they will also be able to help you with academic issues. If your tutor doesn’t immediately get in contact with you, don’t be afraid to approach them. Each member of academic staff has office hours where they are free to talk to students: you can find these on the university website.

 

 

Modules

 

In first year, most students will take four modules:

• Epic into Novel

• Medieval and Early Modern Literature

• Modes of Reading

• Modern World Literature

 

Not all of you will take these exact modules, students studying with multiple departments will have slightly differing module options

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You can also take a language module instead of Modern World Literature. You may choose to start a language from scratch, or continue in a language that you have already studied. Visit the Language Centre website for more information.

 

 

Essays

 

Throughout your first year, you will have to complete a combination of assessed and non-assessed (or formative) essays.

 

Formative essays do not count towards your final yearly grade, however are still important. They help you to get to grips with writing a university style essay so that when it comes to writing your first assessed essay, you feel confident in knowing what you need to do.

 

Try to complete formative work, as it really helps in learning how to write university style essays. But, don't push yourself too hard – university is a big adjustment.

 

Assessed essays are due in 12 o’clock noon on Tuesdays, and you must submit your essay in an electric format using Tabula. Tabula is the department’s coursework management system and it is frequently a glitchy nightmare: you can find the relevant links on the department website. For First Year students while you do have summative assignments (assessed essays) they don't count towards your final grade when graduating, you only have to pass or fail.

 

Most essays will carry a 10% rule with regards to word count – a student may go %10 over or under the word limit without being penalised. For example, a 3000 word essay can, in theory, be either 2700 words or 3300 words without receiving a deduction in marks.

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If you need help on essay writing – or would like to discuss your plans for an essay – you can talk to your personal tutor or seminar tutor. 

 

Also, make sure you come to LitSoc’s Academic Aid sessions, where you can ask for help and discuss any issues. This year, Academic Aid is being run by Seraphine Pearson. If you have any enquiries about Academic Aid, feel free to contact Fi by emailing us.

 

 

Exams

 

You only have one  first-year exam, and it will be unseen, closed-book papers.  You may be asked essay questions or asked to close-read an extract (either seen or unseen).

 

 Look out for any revision seminars or study sessions run by LitSoc. 

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GOOD LUCK for the year, and remember that we are always here to help if you need us!