One of the biggest perceptions of an English Literature student is that you love books, and more specifically, you love old books. As an English student who does not feel any particular fondness towards classic novels, I’m here to let you know whether or not you can get through an English Lit degree without enjoying classics.
I suppose the quick and easy answer would be no. You don’t have to enjoy classics to do an English Literature degree. If I use myself an an example, I’m in my final year of my degree and have spent the last three years getting good grades (if I say so myself) and am set to graduate this Spring. Yet I don’t tend to read classics in my free time.
English Isn’t Just Classics
An English Literature degree is not just about classic novels. Although of course you will have to suffer through some obligatory Dickens and Austen, there are lots of other options for degree-level students studying English. It varies from uni to uni. However, throughout my degree I’ve had modules on poetry, plays, and English language (the science behind linguistics). I’ve also enjoyed modules on the theme of money within books and films, American literature (with a focus on slavery and blues music), and children’s picture books.
In your first year, you’re unable to choose your own modules (which is the case at most universities). But when second year rolls around you will find yourself with much more choice. Your university will most likely expect you to pick a balance which means that, for every modern module you choose, you will be taking one on medieval or Victorian literature. While this may seem like a drag if you are way more into 21st century literature, this does result in you broadening your knowledge and skillset with regards to your degree.
Be Realistic And Do Your Research
Every university will offer a different English Literature degree with different modules available. So, when applying to university, make sure to do your research and see what you will actually be learning if you decide to go there. Some universities tend to focus more on medieval texts, while others lean towards more Victorian texts.
However, it’s safe to say that you should expect to study Shakespeare, Austen, and Chaucer for at least one semester during your English Literature degree. If you don’t like reading at all, then maybe English Lit is not for you. Yet if you enjoy literature (just not classics) then I think you could still enjoy studying the subject at degree level.
Plenty of unis will also offer the chance to take creative modules. I did this in my second and final year and thoroughly enjoyed it, as the classes gave me a chance to try something new and work on my own writing abilities rather than analyse Dickens’.
My Own Experience
While there have definitely been modules I haven’t enjoyed (I have often felt like the only person in the world who doesn’t like Pride and Prejudice) there have been some that I’ve really looked forward to each week. If you like classics, then you can choose modules based on those. If you don’t, there are other options available.
Sometimes I have felt ‘less intelligent’ than my English Lit counterparts for not enjoying the classics. Then I remind myself that ‘old’ doesn’t always mean ‘better.’ Besides, they all regretted their module choices when my assignments each week were to create a children’s picture book or read The Gruffalo, and they were stuck writing the same essays about the same old boring books they have since we started.
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