The course aims to widen and strengthen your knowledge of literature, to provide you with stimulating and enjoyable class discussions, and to help you develop your own critical and explorative written responses to the wonderful texts we will read together.
Each of the two Diploma courses may be taken as a stand-alone programme over one year, or combined into an Undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education in English Literature, equivalent to one year of full-time study.
What will I be studying?
Unit 1: Introduction to medieval literature: the good, the bad and the ugly
This unit is intended to introduce students to medieval literature (1066–1350), exploring texts written in a variety of languages (Anglo-Norman, Latin and English), genres (epic, lyric, romance, devotional text and beast fable) and contexts. The Anglo-Norman and Latin texts will be read in modern English translations, while students will develop their ability to read medieval English as the term progresses. This unit will attend to the complexity and instability of national identity in Britain during this period, exploring the variety of theological, political and cultural perspectives articulated in literature. By taking ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ as a starting point, students will be encouraged to reflect upon the ways in which values and beliefs are addressed, assessed and interrogated by medieval authors. Topics will include the limits of chivalry, the allure of magic and the supernatural, the relationship between nature and civilisation, and both secular and theological expressions of love. The unit will include opportunities to explore the potential insights offered by postcolonial and feminist approaches, concluding with an introduction to ‘Humanism’ and the world of the Renaissance.
Unit 2: Creative criticism: authors, readers and texts
This unit will introduce students to some of the ideas which have informed literary theory and criticism. We will read critical and theoretical material alongside British and American novels and non-fiction and will wrestle with questions about the nature of literary sensibility, the nature of authorship and the experience of reading.
Unit 3: A tragic and comic intelligence: the art and theatre of Thomas Middleton and his contemporaries
In an era of outstanding dramatists Thomas Middleton now stands as an essential figure in Jacobean drama, one of the most brilliant periods in theatre history. A contemporary of Shakespeare with whom he collaborated, Middleton is exceptional in his range creating intense tragedies, audacious comedies and biting political satire. This unit will explore a number of Middleton’s tragedies and comedies, including The Changeling and A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, considering them in the social and theatrical context of the period, and comparing his work with other leading playwrights of the time such as Webster and Jonson.
How will I be taught and assessed?
The course is taught through a mixture of informal lectures and seminars, day-schools, practical sessions and discussion.
You will learn how to present your creative ideas both through speaking and writing. You will also have access to online support through our virtual learning environment, which will accelerate your learning and enhance your experience of the course. Visit the ICE Online introductory website for a taste of the kind of online support you will receive.
All students are expected to take an active part in the course and submit work showing evidence of learning. In particular, you will be expected in each term to:
- attend classes and day-schools
- participate actively in class work
- undertake reading and assignments set by the tutors
- access resources and submit assignments through ICE Online, the Institute’s virtual learning environment.
It is essential that you have an email account and regular access to the internet. The course is supported by a web-based virtual learning environment (VLE) and course communications will be sent via email. Your assignments will be submitted online, and feedback on assignments is sent to you online.
The computing facilities available at a public library or internet café may be sufficient and unlimited free computing and internet access will be available to you within the University Library throughout your course.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course although completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in English Literature or other appropriate experience in the subject is strongly recommended.
However, please be aware that the course is taught at university level and you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. If English is not your first language, you will need to send us evidence of your competence in the English language when you apply for a place.
ICE English language requirements
Fees
The fee for the course is £1,800 for the year and you can pay in one of two ways:
- in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
- in three instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second on 1 November 2015 and the third on 1 February 2016.
How to apply
Online application is recommended and you will find the link to the online application form at the top of this page.
If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees (£1,800) or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.
Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on the 7 September 2015.
What is the status of this qualification?
The course is taught and awarded at first-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the first year of full-time undergraduate study.
What can I go on to do?
If you wish, you can develop your studies in this subject by progressing to a second Undergraduate Diploma in English Literature or the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in English Literature.
Credit awarded by the Institute may also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However the volume of credit and the curriculum which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.
Find out more
The course specification, giving information about course-content and assignments, is available under Downloads.
If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Course Director, Dr Jenny Bavidge: jenny.bavidge@ice.cam.ac.uk
For all other enquiries, please contact the Academic Programme Manager, Katherine Roddwell: ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk or + 44 (0)1223 746223 / 746212.
