SECTION 1 – THE MAYNOOTH BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
English (group 3 subject) CAO Code: MH101 | CAO Points 2021: 338 For full details of MH101 minimum entry requirements see p. 42.
Beginning with words on a page, English is a world-facing subject: it takes you across historical periods, cultures, locations and genres, from poetry and drama to the novel, film, and creative writing too. As a student of English, you will learn about:
>>Different literary forms. >>The conditions that shape writing, from history and geography to questions of gender, race, and class.
>>How literary texts enable us to understand our own complex world. >>Different approaches to and theories of literature. >>How different schools of critical thought or areas have shaped and reshaped the subject of English literary studies. Why choose this subject? “Literature is a gateway for understanding cultures and experiences outside of our own, and opening up of minds is crucial to a socio-culturally diverse society.” – Orlagh Woods, PhD student, Maynooth University Department of English.
English at Maynooth University provides an exciting and rewarding student experience. Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to engage in critical debate about the meaning and value of literature.
Course structure 1st year
2nd year and Final year
BA Bachelor of Arts – English – Single Major, Double Major, Major/Minor or as a Minor
>>English >>Continue with 1 of your 1st year subjects >>Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year (see p. 13 for details)
English & 1 other subject to degree level. >>Take either 15 or 30 credits of English >>Plus choose 2 or 3 other subjects including Critical Skills from the groups available (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45)
All students have the option to take English as a Single Major, Major/Minor or Minor in 2nd year. Students with an average mark of over 50% in 1st year English can take English as a Single Major from 2nd year. Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
For MH101 subject groups table go to p. 45
Possible topics
64
1st year
2nd year
Final year
You will engage with a wide range of literary texts, learning to recognise and analyse key features of poems, prose works and plays. Your experience of literature will be enhanced through close reading, active discussion and writing exercises designed to develop your critical thinking and expression.
You will be introduced to a broad thematic study of English literature via a wide range of historical periods and geographical locations – from the Renaissance to the present, from Ireland and Britain to Africa and America. You will begin to make your own choices about which areas of English you study. Your critical and creative skills will be developed through debate and discussion as well as through the drafting and editing of your written work, guided by experts in these fields.
You will explore literature in English at an advanced level and investigate some new areas of the discipline. You will deepen your knowledge of more specialised areas of English. With advice and supervision from lecturers, you will plan and write essays based on some of your own interests in literature and on your own independent research and writing.
