The English Studies 178 course introduces students to the study of texts across genres and mediums, including literature, film, and graphic narratives. With a mission to cultivate critical reading, writing, and analytical skills, the course encourages intellectual curiosity and an awareness of context, language, and textuality. Spanning components such as Text and Context, film studies, poetry, and the short story, the curriculum combines setworks and handouts to explore diverse forms of expression and their social, historical, and creative significance. Through interactive lectures by experts in the field, students will develop the ability to engage deeply with texts and articulate their insights clearly. Each component culminates in a test, ensuring thorough engagement and comprehension. This foundational course prepares students for advanced study while fostering critical, creative, and informed participation in society.

English 214 and English 244 are second-year courses designed to deepen students’ understanding of English literary and cultural studies through a range of texts and other expressive media such as film. Each course consists of three weekly 50-minute lectures and a mandatory weekly tutorial, with students required to commit to the same tutorial slot throughout the semester. Building on the foundations laid in English 178, these courses demand a higher degree of independent work and engagement with a longer list of setworks; students must thoroughly read and critically analyze all materials, as reliance on simplified online study guides is discouraged and penalized. English 214 is offered in the first semester and features thematic lecture series like “Writing Lives,” which examines narrative voice and identity and “Naming Beings,” which explores issues of identity, representation, and othering. In contrast, English 244, also part of the semesterized program, focuses on environmental imaginings and fractured identities by examining literature that addresses human engagement with physical landscapes, neo-colonial exploitation, and the lingering effects of apartheid, colonialism, and forced migration through diverse literary forms. Students intending to major in English must complete both courses to progress to advanced modules, and they are encouraged to begin their reading during the holidays while preparing to engage thoughtfully with potentially contentious material.

English Studies in the third year is semesterised into two courses: English 318 in the first semester and English 348 in the second. Together, these courses offer students the opportunity to engage with the breadth and depth of English literature, from the 19th century to contemporary works, across diverse cultural, historical, and thematic contexts. The year is designed to challenge students, preparing them for the expectations of advanced literary study. Through these courses, students will encounter a wide range of texts, genres, and perspectives, fostering both critical analysis and creative engagement. English 318 and 348 may be taken together or independently, but both are required for students majoring in English or intending to pursue Honours. In addition to lectures, students participate in 90-minute elective seminars (details on pages 7–11 of the course prospectii), offering tailored engagement with specific themes. English 318 and 348 aim to deepen literary knowledge while equipping students with critical thinking skills essential for Honours and beyond.