Literature Students, Which Modules Should You Pick?
You're about to study literature, and the period between now and the first week of the term would be important. Your department has a flexible approach to the study of English literature, so you must decide what modules to study.
You're excited about the program, which is a great way to start it. You won't find a friendlier staff than the members of the faculty (and the secretary of the department). You can't wait for the term to start. Don't get too excited, as many teenagers make a huge mistake in not thinking about their options about studying for a few years. There's no need to rush it, which doesn't mean that university is not for everyone. You might have the genuine interest and enthusiasm in studying literature, yet you don't have the discipline and perseverance that is needed when the going gets tough. It can make you unhappy about the program, prompting you to wonder if you can do a switch before the end of the term. Let's look at the matter closely.
You're hoping that the English literature program would make you a step closer to authorship, which is the general aspiration of anyone studying in your department. Some won't mind sleeping in their mate's couch, if not living with their parents. It's all about writing, and the satisfaction that you would get from it. This mode of thinking won't pay you the bills, though. It may not provide you with a decent meal. You must have realistic goals, and it should start with what modules you choose. Look at the bigger picture, of how your choices can appeal to recruiters later. Your interest and enthusiasm won't be good enough.
How Your Departments and Tutors Answer Your Questions
If your professors (or tutor) push you to modules you don't want to study, what you should do? The answer to this question depends on what literary genres you wish to study AND you must study during the term. Modern literature is mandatory to all literature students, a precursor to the other genres that you will study later. (You're familiar with the renowned authors. It should give you an idea that Modern literature is an overlapping of several genres.) As for the other modules, it's your choice. Your tutor can advise you on this one while your professors would answer your questions without hesitation. (And they won't mind setting aside other things.) The worst thing that you can do is to dismiss their suggestions. Think about it.
Do you have to take the "easier" modules first? This might be hard to answer. Some professors would prefer literature students studying the "easier" modules first, as this is the only way to keep their grades high. There's no guarantee that this approach would prepare them for the more challenging modules, though. If you do it the other way, there's a possibility that you would struggle during the first few months of the term. Your determination might make you unfazed about the difficulties in adjusting to the demands of the coursework, but how your mind and body respond to it could tell a different story. Perhaps a mix of "easier" and more challenging modules is the best option. Discuss it with your tutor.
Should you enroll in a module in science? It might be too early to ponder on a career in science, but psychology could help you in writing your essays in other genres. You can ask your coursemates who are pursuing a dual degree. If you focus on literature genres and (the study of) English language, you might put yourself in a disadvantage later. It won't be the case if you're considering graduate studies.
If you're not getting advice from your department, where can you get a second opinion? You should know that you're a valuable customer in the university, so you can approach anyone. If you're too shy, look for the contact details of these important people. You might be surprised at how they accommodate you.
How can you keep your options open? Think of the modules that you know (and can be good at), and think of the modules that you're interested as well. This will widen your options, which should serve you next term. This approach also will help you later; as the period of three (or four) years is a short one. You may (or may not) be able to cross out all the modules that are available to you, but the coursework is not a walk in a park. If you don't enjoy studying literature, then you must like it (at least).
Reality Check: Growing Up is About Making Choices
You will ask yourself if you must have lots of options, a question that you would be confronted again (and again). You will be curious about modules that are blacklisted by the more prestigious universities (or so you would think). And you have trepidations about your O-Level results. Can it influence your choice (of modules)? The answers might prompt you to make hard decisions, but you don't have to worry about it. You will be guided accordingly. If you truly love literature, you would figure it out sooner. Good luck.
