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.

This fully revised and expanded new edition gives practical help and guidance to students and sets out a logical method for approaching novels, plays and poems. Useful chapters on themes, characters, structure and style explain how to analyse a text and later chapters give advice on writing successful essays and on how to set about revision. Straightforward and lively, the book is an invaluable companion to all students of literature.

Clearly focussed on the needs of students, Robert Eaglestone and Jonathan Beecher Field have revised the best-selling Doing English specifically for English literature courses in America. Studying English presents the ideas and debates that shape literary studies in America today. This overview of the discipline explains not only what students need to know, but how and why English came to be the way it is. This uniquely comprehensive guide to the subject gives students the background they need to understand and enjoy their studies more fully. The book covers arguments about criticism and theory, value, the canon, Shakespeare, authorial intention, figural language, narrative, writing, identity, politics and the skills that are learned from studying English for the world of work. In a clear and engaging way, Robert Eaglestone and Jonathan Beecher Field: Orient you, by exploring what it is to study English in America now. Equip you, by explaining the key ideas and trends in English in context. Enable you to begin higher level study.

Studying English Literature offers a link between pre-degree study and undergraduate study by introducing students to: - the history of English literature from the Renaissance to the present; - the key literary genres (poetry, prose, and drama); - a range of techniques, tools and terms useful in the analysis of literature; - critical and theoretical approaches to literature. It is designed to improve close critical reading skills and evidence-based discussion; encourage reflection on texts' themes, issues and historical contexts; and demonstrate how criticism and literary theories enable richer and more nuanced interpretations. This one-stop resource for beginning students combines a historical survey of English literature with a practical introduction to the main forms of literary writing. Case studies of key texts offer practical demonstrations of the tools and approaches discussed. Guided further reading and a glossary of terms used provide further support for the student. Introducing a wide range of literary writing, this is an indispensable guide for any student beginning their study of English Literature, providing the tools, techniques, approaches and terminology needed to succeed at university.

Studying Literature in English provides the ideal point of entry for students of English Literature. This book is an accessible guide for Literature students around the world. This book: Grounds literature and the study of literature throughout by referencing a selection of well-known novels, plays and poems Examines the central questions that readers ask when confronting literary texts, and shows how these make literary theory meaningful and necessary Links British, American and postcolonial literature into a coherent whole Discusses film as literature and provides the basic conceptual tools in order to study film within a literature-course framework Places particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity by examining the connections between the study of literature and other disciplines Provides an annotated list of further reading From principal literary genres, periods and theory, to strategies for reading, research and essay-writing, Dominic Rainsford provides an engaging introduction to the most important aspects of studying literature in English. This book is invaluable reading for anyone studying literature in English.

This introduction to the tools required for literary study provides all the skills, background and critical knowledge which students require to approach their study of literature with confidence.

Doing Englishexamines the evolution of English as a subject and questions the assumptions that lie behind approaches to literature. The author deals with the exciting new ideas and contentious debates that inform English education today, covering a range of issues from critical approaches to value, the canon and Shakespeare, to cultural heritage and national identity and on to the future of English. In response to requests from readers, this fully revised second edition includes a new chapter on narrative. This volume is an essential purchase for all those planning to 'do English' at degree level.

This handbook designed specifically to support students and teachers of English language, literature and culture by combining the functions of study guide, critical dictionary and text anthology.

'Exactly what students need.' – Times Education Supplement ‘Excellent [...] Thought-provoking and accessible.' – The English and Media Magazine 'Doing English does English proud ... This is essential reading for students intending to study English to degree level – and for all those preparing for the challenges of new AS/A2.’ – Adrian Beard, Gosforth High School, UK ‘A valuable, original book. I know of no other that prepares students for higher education in this way.’ – Peter Childs, University of Gloucestershire, UK Aimed at students of English Literature in their final year of secondary education or beginning degrees, this immensely readable book is the ideal introduction to studying English Literature. Doing English presents the ideas and debates that shape how we ‘do’ English today, covering arguments about the value of literature, the canon, Shakespeare, theory, politics and the future of the subject. In his lucid and engaging style, Robert Eaglestone: orientates you, examining what it is to 'do English' equips you for future study, explaining key ideas and trends in English Studies in context enables you, bridging the gap between 'traditional' and 'theoretical' approaches to literature. Practical and provocative, the third edition of this classic guide is fully updated, including new material on English assessment objectives and a new chapter on creative writing.