The Exploration of Literature :: College Admissions Essays

The Exploration of Literature An English degree is about self development and education through the exploration of literature. A student who chooses English will never be expected to learn information by rote, or recycle the views of academics. Developing a unique creativity in relation to the course is the apotheosis of literary study. A degree in English encourages the challenge of critical views, and a communication of new opinions. Students are given freedom to construct a degree programme based on personal interests and strengths. The structure of any individual degree course is likely to centre around the benefits of personal academic choice. A host university will provide support and resources to enable effective tuition, but the significance of the award rests with the enthusiasm and motivation of a student. Tutors and lecturers can supply expert guidance in the themes and ideas which might appeal to individual academic acumen, but ultimately the degree is a personal achievement. An English degree is the production of the student, not the teacher. Lecture programmes are constructed to offer useful background knowledge, and will often allow fascinating scope for expert opinion. Students are given the opportunity to work with the most current literary views, delivered by the country’s foremost academics. However, individual research of selective material is just as valid — if not more so. Students will become adept at mapping a path through critical theories and ideas. No one English student is like another, and even students from the same university will refine their approaches to be radically individual. An English degree will encourage the discussion of academic interests with other students — refining areas of investigation by discussion and debate. Teaching oneself is a fascinating and liberating practice. Similarly, the construction is a two way process. As students piece together, and assemble ideas and literature of personal interest, so the aspects to which they are drawn will construct them as critics.