Product Description

Studying English Literature is a unique guide for undergraduates beginning to study the discipline of literature and those who are thinking of doing so. Unlike books that provide a survey of literary history or non-subject specific manuals that offer rigid guidelines on how to write essays, Studying English Literature invites students to engage with the subject’s history and theory whilst at the same time offering information about reading, researching and writing about literature within the context of a university. The book is practical yet not patronizing: for example, whilst the discussion of plagiarism provides clear guidelines on how not to commit this offence, it also considers the difficulties students experience finding their own ‘voice’ when writing and provokes reflection on the value of originality and the concepts of adaptation, appropriation and intertextuality in literature. Above all, the book prizes the idea of argument rather than insisting upon formulaic essay plans, and gives many ways of finding something to say as you read and when you write, in chapters on Reading, Argument, Essays, Sentences and References.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41158 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Review
‘An ideal course-book and companion. Full of practical tools and fresh insights, this is a book that not only shows how to read, research and write about English literature, it also explores why. Much more than a ‘study skills’ manual, it encourages a genuinely historical and theoretical grasp of the subject.’ Professor Rob Pope, Oxford Brookes University

'I've nothing but praise for this book: it's clear, well-structured, intelligent and most welcome in that it is subject specific and speaks to the UK university system. This surpasses all current introductory guides to studying English Literature.' Dr Matthew Woodcock, University of East Anglia

About the Author
Tory Young is Senior Lecturer in English at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.

Customer Reviews

A must have for literature students
I am due to start my third year in my literature degree and I wish I had found this book when I started the degree. Gives you a breakdown of what is needed to achieve various grades within a degree, as well as general stuff about theories and essays. I particuarly like the fact that the author gives lots of suggestions for further reading/websites etc. Easy to read as well. Recommended, especially for first year students, but useful as a reminder/backup as you progress, especially if you are looking to improve results.