English Literature and History

Studying English Literature and History together means you will build your expertise in analysing the written word in all of its forms, from primary historical documents to experimental literary texts. On our Literature modules we emphasise the importance of considering texts alongside the social, cultural and historical issues of the time. Equally, the literature of a given era can be a useful historical source in understanding that time.

Throughout the course you will study the history and the literature of a broad range of time periods and geographical locations. On both sides of the course we offer a lot of flexibility, with many different modules to choose from. This allows you to study the topics and themes that interest you most. In Literature we will take you beyond the traditional canon of classic works and introduce you to voices you may not have heard from before. This may includeNative American writing, African American writing, prison narratives, radical poetry and LGBTQIA+ rights literature. In your History modules you can study time periods from Ancient Rome to the 21st century.

Both teams are made up of active researchers across a range of specialisms, and there will be opportunities to engage with some of the current research taking place to explore new directions in their fields.

You can also take part in work based learning on a dedicated employability module. This could mean exploring archives or helping to curate exhibitions through our partnerships in the city. You will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops, writing sessions and readings with prominent literary figures through the York Literature Festival.