The BA English Literature and Politics at the University of Reading offers you a unique opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between creative expression and political discourse. This undergraduate degree is designed for students keen to understand how literature shapes, reflects, and challenges political ideas, and how political contexts influence literary production. You will delve into diverse texts and theories, developing a critical understanding of power, ideology, and social change through the lenses of both literary analysis and political science. This programme is ideal if you are passionate about examining the world through both creative narratives and rigorous political inquiry.
This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over three years, providing a comprehensive exploration of both disciplines. You will engage with a wide array of modules, from analysing poetry and drama across historical periods to dissecting contemporary democracy and political ideas. The syllabus includes opportunities to explore topics such as the politics of climate change, modern American culture, and comparative government, alongside literary studies ranging from medieval storytelling to contemporary fiction and the business of books. You will graduate with highly transferable skills in critical thinking, persuasive writing, and complex analysis, preparing you for a variety of careers in fields like policy, journalism, publishing, and public administration.