English and Literary Studies: What the Programme Involves and What Students Study in Art/Humanities
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English and Literary Studies is a programme that combines the study of English language with the close study of literature. It introduces students to the ways language is used while also helping them examine literary works, ideas, characters, themes, styles and different forms of expression.
The JAMB brochure places English and Literary Studies among the programmes listed under Arts/Humanities. The programme appears alongside other English, literature, language and related Arts programmes in the Faculty/School/College of Arts listing.
What Do Students Study in English and Literary Studies?
The programme brings together two closely connected areas: English and literature. Students can develop a deeper understanding of how language works while learning to analyse written literary works critically.
Areas that may form part of the programme include:
- English language
- Literary studies
- Literary criticism
- Poetry
- Prose
- Drama
- Language and communication
- Literary theory
- Research and academic writing
Studying Literature
The literary side of the programme exposes students to different forms of literature and the techniques used to interpret them. Students may examine how writers use language, structure, imagery, characterisation, themes and other literary devices to communicate ideas.
Poetry, prose and drama can therefore form important parts of the academic experience, with students learning to read literary works beyond their surface meaning.
The English Language Component
The English component gives students an opportunity to develop their understanding and use of the language. This can involve communication, writing, reading and the analysis of language in different contexts.
The combination with literary study makes the programme broader than studying individual literary texts alone.
Skills Students Can Develop
English and Literary Studies can help students build skills that are useful both academically and professionally. These may include:
- Critical reading
- Written communication
- Literary analysis
- Research skills
- Creative thinking
- Oral communication
- Presentation skills
- Editing and proofreading
Who May Enjoy English and Literary Studies?
The course may appeal to students who enjoy Literature in English, reading, writing and analysing texts. It can also suit students who are interested in language, communication and the different ways writers express ideas.
A willingness to read extensively and discuss texts from different perspectives can be particularly useful when studying the programme.
English and Literary Studies Under Art/Humanities
For candidates using the JAMB admission information, English and Literary Studies is treated within the Arts/Humanities category. However, admission requirements should still be checked against the exact institution because the brochure preserves institution-specific conditions where they exist.
The exact course entry gives the general admission structure for the institutions listed, while additional conditions are provided for some institutions. This makes it important to check the specific school rather than relying only on a general description of the course.
What Candidates Should Keep in Mind
English and Literary Studies is suitable for students who want to combine the study of English with deeper literary analysis. If you enjoy reading, writing, literature and communication, the programme can provide a strong academic foundation in these areas.
For additional admission details, candidates can refer to the document below.