Monday, December 5, 2011

What You Gain If You Study English

By Hank Walt


Prospective students wanting to study English are aware of how enriching the subject is. Much of literature is devoted to topics that affect all of us, which is one aspect of why it is a popular subject. Another reason for it's popularity is that the principles espoused by many literary works have a hold on human society.

The mark of outstanding literary work is when such topics and principles are conveyed in the telling of a great story with well-rounded and sympathetic characters. Such topics and principles can stir emotions in a literary context more effectively than if they are analyzed in an academic context. Emotional gratification, however, does not exhaust the purpose of literature.

Scrutinizing the language employed in a particular piece is deceptively difficult. Effectiveness in this field requires a grounding in grammatical structure, the contextual and cultural framework of the piece in question, how wit is employed and how etymology plays it's part in the selection of specific words. This grounding will cultivate within the student a greater acknowledgement of how messages are imparted.

Equally worthy of acknowledgement are the wide variety of literary mediums that a literature course presents you with. Be it a play, a novel, a poem or any other literary form, being able to appraise a piece of literature on the basis of it's structure and of the times in which it was composed is a skill that you should be able to apply to all forms of literature. Also requiring due consideration are the themes of a particular work and the unique traditions that influenced it's composition.

Evolving your own point of view on a specific work is essential to carrying out quality research. Writing skills and acute critical analysis are improved in undertaking to transcribe your point of view in a cohesive manner. Indeed, to succeed in literary research, such talents are necessary.

As with many things in life, though, ultimate success in pursuing a literature course is dependent upon you liking the nature of such a course to begin with. A love of words, coupled with a keen interest in reading, is a good combination for a prospective student. The ability to critically evaluate written matter is also of paramount importance.

The nature of such a course means a heavy emphasis upon individual effort. While faculty can point you in the right direction and offer advice, the onus is on you to ensure that your work is of high standard. No-one else can supply your interpretation and evaluation of literature except you, and your progression in such a course is dependent on this.

Those who study English find that an education of this sort is not only personally fulfilling to get into IVE LEAGUE but can make one employable in the workplace as well. Being able to critically evaluate great works of literature is an intellectual trait well worth developing for it's own sake. In addition to that, though, it can also be marketed to potential employers as a transferable skill, with information analysis and critical ability being seen as desirable employee traits.




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