University of Wolverhampton, BA (Hons), English and Philosophy

English first year delves into the inner workings of English, exploring theories of language and writing; it focuses on English as it is used today, and provides a strong introduction to literature and poetry; year 2 expands linguistic appreciation, taking in themes as diverse as American literature, romanticism and journalistic writing; it investigates the literary classics, realism and the novel, as well as bringing critical thinking to students studies; the third year provides a historical perspective, from the Renaissance, to the darkest (as well as the most enlightened) corners of 18th Century literature and the Victorian vision, up to the 1960s; it also explores contemporary literature, as well as looking at English in the West Midlands, and issues of gender and language; in philosophy, year 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to critical thinking and philosophy; it explores ways of living that are thought to be immoral, dangerous or unhealthy, and asks why we often find certain kinds of bad behaviour exciting and attractive; in year 2, students look at key traditions in moral philosophy and get the chance to assess their own moral intuitions and concepts; students would acquaint themselves with classical epistemology - the theory of knowledge - and its problems and difficulties; students may also investigate the Enlightenment - widely regarded as the movement that formed the central institutions and structures of the modern western world; year 3 embraces the ethical issues arising from relations between the individual and the state/the law, and the means used to bring about legal and political change; students could explore current understanding of conscious intelligence, or explore the traditional place of women within philosophy.