English Language and Literature -Oxford University
I studied the English Language, and English Literature, from the Anglo-Saxon period right through to the Modern day -(we focused on UK writers). I therefore learnt to read and write the Anglo-Saxon language -as well as becoming familiar all the variations of the English Language since the Anglo Saxon period.
Key, Transferable Skills Include:
Oral and written skills enabling effective communication and argument.
The ability to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of communication and to understand English literature from all ages.
The ability to plan, organise and complete essays and dissertations whilst meeting deadlines.
The capacity for independent thought, reflection and judgement.
The ability to comprehend and develop intricate ideas, apply a variety of theoretical positions and weigh the importance of alternative perspectives.
A greater understanding of life -different experiences, perspectives and psychologies explored in literature.
A working sense of the nuances and ambiguities of words and symbols. An ability to spot, understand and employ linguistic techniques e.g. rhetorical devices, iambic pentameter and to understand what they are effective for. E.g. the use of rhetorical devices can be persuasive so, if persuasion is needed in a workplace document, then this could be a technique employed.
Research skills, including the ability to gather, sift and organise quantities of diverse material and to evaluate its’ significance.
IT skills, especially the ability to work with and evaluate electronic resources and communication (such as hypertext, conferencing, e-publishing, blogs and wikis).
Creative and imaginative skills.
Many other skills developed but these are the key ones!
The course has changed slightly since I did it (e.g. students no longer learn Anglo Saxon) but here is more detail about the course content –much of which is the same: