How To Survive A Literature Degree - Tips For English Majors
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
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3 things I wish I knew before I started my English degree, and tips for students who are starting college/university studies in the liberal arts.
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I am preparing for my very first mid sems and you just mentioned all the problems I was facing, you hit all the spots. Thank you so much for creating this video.
I bought a lot of cliffs notes. 😂 It helped when short on time.
“made a lot of enemies … with writers who are dead” oh god did i feel that
i’m in the last year of my degree in english and psychology - i’ve realized that english is in a way, the study of everything. an english degree is almost like a lens to see things through
Exactly 🥰
Hey in which university you study and is it easy and thank you
For master degree
I can not attend the classes . I am so sad for this. I had to take a gap year. I learn a lot of things even when I was at prep class. I do not know. I want to study and learn English because it is vital. I do not know . My job is in another city , but I can not go . My school is in my current city where I live.
@@yavuzunal6619 Ha spotted a Turkish student lol! Which uni ? If you'd like to answer ofc.
LITERARY THEORY & CRITICISM are very important, once you start understanding them it gets easier and all those novels and plays which didn't make any sense to you in the beginning suddenly start making sense, you get a better idea of how and why the text is written in a particular way or style.
I got an A in this class! :DDDD
Congratulations! Another point: you'll be reading way more criticim than actual literary works. If you are thinking of doing English literature because you love reading fiction, please, bear in mind that this is not what English Literature is. Many people don't know this until it's too late. you'll be reading criticism, literary theory, sometimes history or even politics. I remember when I had to read a legal document from 1860's Massachusetts. Literature is something that's closely linked to society. Sometimes, you need to understand more than just the plot. Good luck
That’s true! But my English department has fiction classes that gear towards these books too. Those would be electives
That is horrifying. You can't criticize what you don't even know.
This is largely dependent upon the program you enter. If you enroll in a "Great Books" program, which you'll find at smaller, private liberal arts institutions, you get to spend much more time with primary texts. You still handle secondary research and literary criticism in research projects, but if what you want is to read the texts themselves, do some research on "Great Books" programs--lots of four year universities have them!
@Bigheartoneggshells interesting. For us, (for each module) we would read one book a week, and maybe an essay or two of criticism at most. Most of the theory and things like that would come from the lectures rather than reading, and then also in the research project at the end of the term. So for my Landscapes of American Modernisms module, I read like 8 different novels, but had an hour of lecture and two hours of discussion for each one. That way, I guess the lecturer is mediating the theory a bit more, and the final essay is the space to strike out a bit more into research
True for the literature classes. If you go towards a creative writing course then it will be much more writing and fiction based.
If you love reading also, you don’t have to go for English literature. History has just as many books assigned to you and it gives a lot of context to everything. In college, history wasn’t about memorizing dates to events. It was getting a framework over certain topics so that you can read deeper into it later.
I wish I could've done both!
@@Yesica1993 double majoring is a thing. I have a friend that double majored in history and political science and he’s graduating a semester early.
Totally concur...I loved history in college and was actually assigned novels for some of the classes. Wish I'd had the option to double major.
Even better: you can anlalyse history via literature! I did French Colonialism at undergrad and the professor made us read Albert Camus
If you're into reading, better study law trust me it worths it, Engkish literature could studied out of college
Thanks for your advice, R.C. Waldun. This channel has drastically evolved for the better. I’m sure many other literature students out there can find this helpful in a lot of ways.
Getting my English degree was the best thing I ever did. I loved every minute of it.
How's making a living been for you
@@besfren4910what do you for living now?
@@focusgrindwork me? Nothing I'm year 2 of English Philology
@@focusgrindwork if you are smart and gifted corporate will hire and train you or paid for school. This goes for all types of industries they need folks in all there different departments
Starting as an English major! I'm so excited for the journey and your comment made me happy.
I am currently an English literature major. Wonderful video! I think for me where I am struggling is learning how to balance my personal interests and also university. I love to read and learn more. Sometimes it's difficult to keep up my appetite for philosophy when I have so many other readings. I'm currently trying to learn how to balance personal reading and academic reading. It's tough, but anything worth doing is difficult. I wish you the best in your remaining time in academia! :)
remember that education is a privilege everyone!!! not everyone can have degrees on their plate on top of supporting themselves and perhaps others. care jobs and other professions are afforded less education though being incredibly crucial. the humanities are becoming more and more exclusive and it’s really important we have that awareness going through our education. never forget the reason you’re doing what you’re doing, remember to give back as much as you can.
Stop guilting people. Also, nothing stops anyone from learning how to capitalize, punctuate, and compose a sentence. That's something anyone can and should learn to do.
Sure sire. But being able to express yourself really well is also a crucial part of not just being a humanities student, but for everyone in this era.
It isn't a privilege btw. Self-education, if not education, is necessary.
@@literarytalha735 Of course One can self educate. Maybe Ada is referring to those who do not have access to college or the internet, one means of self educating (the digital divide exist). In many ways, the ease of access to 'higher education' is a privilege.
@@atiyarise4131 "...who do not have access to college or Internet..."
How do you think do they watch this video? If they do not have access to college, why guilt trip others who strive more to get necessary education?
Really amazing video - the editing, your way of speaking, the way you introduced the sponsor, and also your way of introducing your tips as an experienced student.
As you know, I'm someone that's really considering up-taking an English Degree, so this video came at a perfect time. Amazing stuff as usual man!
I’m a freshman English major and I’ve been told that I don’t have to read everything even by my professor
Congrats Waldun!
Didn't know you were also graduating this year. I graduated last July and took J.D. as my post-grad.
Wish you the best in your next academic path!
Thanks for the encouragement for others and for being an inspiration, go on Robin, you're the best of us.
I'm studying both history and literature, so I'm basically a professional reader at this point. It is though as they require a different type of thinking, but it is a lot of fun
Congrats Senpai Waldun, all the best with your future endeavors.
I started watched some of your videos since the end of last year i think my first one was the "Melbourne's Fashion Sense" video but that was my gateway drug into the other philosophy videos on the channel.
As a compsci student with literally no breadth into literature it was nice to be able to listen in on these very interesting topics in philosophy and your takes on them using more or less laymen terms while on my regular commutes.
A friend of mine actually pointed out that you were on campus which i had no idea about and I was very hyped to meet you in person.
Sorry for running through frame on the recording btw that was me. I probably should have kept my stuff next to the door if there was a chance i had to leave early. 💀
I hope you will forgive me and thanks for checking out our pamphlet also.
Best wishes, Luigi
Hello Robin Waldun! I think I found you in the right time. Your content feels amazing for a student like me, who is majoring in English and still in the first year. Yeah I really struggled with theory and criticism in the beginning, but I feel how it gets better with time. There is a lot to learn from all your videos. I love them. Please keep on uploading these amazing, rare, valuable , (not to mention the aesthetic vibe!) videos....
I really love how you make these vids!
Congratulations! and I am delighted to see a UA-cam channel devoted to the humanities. You are a good teacher and please continue with this work....on UA-cam. They teach you to read and think. There is something important and amazing about this. G
Great video mate!
Good job!! I love this video..
Congrats Waldun!!
Your advice great! I was lucky because as a younger teen even I was constantly reading literary theory.
Nice video
Good information
Easy to understand
Needed this 3 years ago
Here's another well-structured, extremely interesting and motivating video, R. C Waldun! As an avid reader and literature enthusiast, your videos are a real godsend! Having said that, I have a question: is there a literature theory volume that you would recommend? I would love to analyze my readings more critically and go a bit beyond the close reading level, so to speak...
Thanks for your amazing content, I'm looking forward to your next video 😁
Highly recommend the Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. It is regularly considered an academic standard.
I realized how much I like your content when I actually listened to the ad sponsor and signed up.
I wish I found you earlier, Sir. Intrigued by your channel description. I hope you keep doing this if that's what you like.
Amazing voice man.... The sheer timbre
I'm only few months away from graduating, picking literature for a degree was a long ride but definitely worth it
To be fair, my main concern for university is the money and the living situation. I’d love to study in the Netherlands, but living in any university city is expensive and rare and if I’m in a country I don’t even speak the language of, how am I going to get a job!? I’m terrified of just not being able to cover the costs of university, a space to live, books and food and everything!
some of my favorite points!
04:15
Be selective with your reading and read a few texts really well.(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AGREE hard even for non-literature majors and just book worms in general. Something i've learned from my experience quality > quanity)
05:43
Taking care of your health is crucial, as your body is not separate from your mind.
06:02
Neglecting your health can lead to brain fog and difficulty in interpreting texts.
09:38
Students who do not engage with critical theory from the start of their degree may struggle later on.
10:11
Reading literary theory can give you a quicker access to different perspectives and help you interpret texts with greater depth.
10:33
Tackling critical theory head on during your first year studies may be difficult, but it will pay off in the long run.
11:05
Investing time into reading literary theory of your favorite theorist can be helpful for your studies.
okay this woke me up been burnt out for weeks and in the process of doing research for my thesis thank you
Just recently added a double major in English because I love writing but reading is verh difficult for me. Just started an english critical reading and writing class that has got me swamped. This video really brought me so much comfort on how to approach this class and future classes for my english classes. You've reminded me why I wanted this degree. I can do it. Thank you :)
Wow, one week to go!? Well done, Robin! 👏
I am currently studying in last year of school. And next year I will be joining literature course. 😍 I know it's not going to be piece of cake instead sometimes literary works would be hard like walnuts but when I finally get to eat the nut inside I will get that big brains like literature professionals.
My heart is racing ahead of me for the future and I keep claming it down that first goal is to score in 12th standard.
Did you do it
“Senior citizen of undergrad studies” is a such a good autobiographical bar
Love it
You are such a intellectual and attractive adult young man! I love your voice.
hanging in there!
I'm doing my masters in English literature currently and I've lost the passion to study this subject. But it's too late to change.. so I'm trying to revive that love I had for English years ago :)
It's not necessary that what I love to do today I shall love it always. I won't always like what I like at present
Same, I completely lost my passion for this course when I think about the less job opportunities. Now the majority of students are going for tech or medical professions. I somehow feel whether I had made the wrong decision by a theoretically oriented course. I am scared about my future.
@@Shupandi_The_killadi you and me both .. sigh i hope we make it in life 🫂
Change
@@keithwisdom1663 lol u mean i should change my subject???
Well said 👍, because I can clearly relate it that I am a final year pg literature student. Totally agree.
Thank you for the warning that we must take care of our bodies in order for my minds to work. I haven't been keeping a bedtime or exercising lately. Now I remember why I feel so lethargic.
You have a very unique voice 👍🏼
Thankyou for reminding me about my health.
Love The Chair
I never got a degree, I been reading philosophy , psychology and quantum books for thirty five years. I love reading, but i am average guy who has a day job. Downey California ❤❤
coming from an engineering background, I like how you made references to engineering
FF -> thru mid-roll ads… of course!
Hello fellas 👋🏻 English Language & Literature student here!
Just wanted to say that was an amazing thumbnail.
I can understand all what you're saying but I couldn't able to speak like you even I couldn't make a sentence .. you're awesome I wanted to be like you native speaker
Q n A when ?
not an English major but am watching nonetheless because I find your voice soothing 😌🤷♀️😅
I would loveee to have my dark academia moment studying English literature in Edinburgh or Oxford University yk buttttt I've been diagnosed with "The curse of the middle class" and I want to kind of earn money so ......maybe my next life😭 if im a privileged woman i can fulfill this dream of mine
Great
I feel so much likely in the last "Take Care n Goodbye".
elf care is really important, I also learned how essential to still be healthy gym girl as well as smart and educated one. One thing doesn't kill another, we need to take care of our bodies and minds ans well
What about for Comparitive Literature, will it be the same?
Robin can I apply for any university in Australia for a master degree in comparative literature with a bachelor degree in French literature
Plus can I have any financial aid as an international student
That was really my dream but I kind of lost my way and instead I pursued an IMC degree.
I have only 3-4 months in my college finals. After that Im going to persue English degree
Do you think it would be possible for a foreign student to get an English degree? I love reading, writing and English has always interested me, to the point I am one of the best in every class I participate in (for reference, I read a lot and I am studying to get my C1 at seventeen, which means I have medium-high English skills). Still, I am nowhere near a native English speaker, and have only spoken “real" English for a few months as an Exchange students. Do you (or anyone else that is watching the video) know anyone who has done it?
In the fall i will start my Journey on University, im going to major in Journalism but im deciding on what to minor in: English, Literature or Creative Writing.
This makes me wanna study literature even more
Your hairstyle reminds me of one poet I like.
Just want to know what should I say to the barber to get my hair like this.
i'm considering getting a degree in english literature because i love discovering new worlds and ideas. but im a high school senior that has had thier ass kicked by school so after i graduwate i need some time to detox from the shitpie high school gave me.
And I study English Literature while being French. I don't even know my french literature :)) I like to suffer.
I have interest in English literature to have masters in it..may we communicate outside the page
Which university did you go to ?
Hi well I have plan to study english literature but I 35 year old who studied diploma I wanted to step further after a long gap .. I have plan to english untilll complete my PHD in english .. is it possible ??
What type high paid jobs can i get to study in English literature?
The writer's Tag
I turn 35 this week. I've recently gone through a break of with my ex partner of eight years. I'm In a weird place emotionally. The one thing that I am passionate about it literature. At 35 is it too late for me to go back to college to pursue this? It's probably a stupid question, but one I've been pondering nonetheless. This video was very informative.
It is never too late
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” I am 36 and I just got accepted into my dream university for Literature. I went to Community college first and going to university as a transfer student. I think that feeling too old at this age will seem silly if I ever get to 90 wishing I had gone to school when I was younger, so I’m finally going for it. As for what other people think, I don’t think they will really care too much. 35 isn’t really that old if you think about it
@@Toughmittens Hey, that's awesome! I'm glad you're doing well. Thanks for the words of advice. I've pretty much decided I'm going to go back myself. Like you said, 35 isn't too old in the big picture.
While I was earning a BA in literature (graduated in '80), I was, at the same time, immersed in the widespread American revival known as the Jesus Movement. Those many years heaped onto me a preoccupation that kept me from openly interpreting assigned reading materials. Any secular work I looked at quietly I viewed as an enemy of the gospel. And so, my mind failed to adopt the various secular disciplines of analysis I was being taught, for I more convincingly clung to the principles that were taught in the many anti-intellectual, grassroots Charismatic groups I repeatedly met with throughout each week. In fact, so many of the papers I wrote I easily loaded with biblical remarks. I failed to take the secular analysis training seriously, and left it to lay by the wayside for so many years. But then, in those days, I was broke, a very poor pauper whose learning took seven years to complete a four year degree. I love words, have written a memoir, finally, at age 71, and am still wrestling with the interferences of an entrenched religious foundation, which, if one takes a serious look at, isn't as much an impetiment as a hyper believer might think.
Go go go 😂😎😊💜
better tip perhaps from someone who did a PhD in English: take classes from profs who come highly recommended. I made the mistake a couple of times of taking a course because I was supercurious about the subject(s) (Hardy's The Dynasts, Browning's The Ring and the Book). you can read and interpret and ENJOY great things on your own--by the time you're a Senior or Junior. take classes by PROF! there are MANY lame-os out there in US and UK academia. crashing bores, pompous asses, Wokedopes pushing social justice agendas rather than explication du texte. f them.
how do i know which profs are 'highly recommended'?
@@hennauwu8669 talk to people in your major. take Rate My Professors with a grain of salt.
"Wokedopes"
Yikes
Here is a secret about literature. It all can be summed up in a page. Knowing that -- why do books and novels exceed 100 pages? In my estimation 100 pages is all you really need to say what you want. As for 500 and 1000 page works -- that is an examination. You have to know reading that many pages is a test. So pick your courses. As for your take on literature (read a couple of books really well) my "really well" book choice in my program was "Don Quixote." I read 400 plus pages and kept coming back to it and now realize why. My fight did not end after turning the last page...
🍎
English was not my favourite subject in high school because i was poor writing the essay and not skill in reading to answer diffcult question.
Hello, I got my associate of arts degree in English and I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in English literature and looking into getting a Master's in English Literature afterwards.. what is the highest math class required for a Master's in English Literature?? (I hate math).
My hints would be more cynical. But then I am from Scotland. And the weather is terrible.
Find out who is giving the lectures on the novel/poetry etc upon which that you intend to write your essay/paper and then try to get your work marked by that individual. Then attend the lectures, take copious notes, and agree as creatively as possible with whatever interpretation the said lecturer profers of the text in question. People love to be told they are geniuses. Especially academics.
Plan B would be do all of the above and then disagree with the lecturer so brilliantly that you change his or her decades held opinion and make a friend and supporter for the whole of the rest of your academic career.
Plan A is a lot easier.
Can it be a sin to know?-Paradise Lost by John Milton
If you read 2 out of 10 of the assigned novels, you will have a 2 out of 10 chance of ever graduating. When a professor devotes an exam to a novel you didn't read, you will be deciding on a new major. This is bad advice. And yes - I have a degree in English literature.
guys plz I am looking for English novels that I can tackle from a feminist perspective
like Jane Eyre etc
I really need help n some suggestions!
Like novels in which the male female character /or female characters were oppressed by their society n maybe their husbands
I need it for my dissertation
I have been suggested to do Sister Carrie but unfortunately the teacher told me that it has been delt with in our department:((
1. So long a letter by Mariama Ba
2. Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo
the handmaid's tale by margaret atwood
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Wish i saw it sooner
If you are still looking for something like that i suggest blue castle , it's one of my favorite classics
guys i am thinking of majoring in literature but have not finished a single book in my life, how bad of a choice am i making? and how hard is it going to be?
Did you do it ?
@@parmiii5750 yes, I just confirmed my major and I’ll take my first serious literature class next semester, wish me luck🥲
You use "survive" here...😂❤🎉
Why not just read the summaries of the books? Why read the actual books and not the summaries?
@Trinity M Ok, I see your point, your right.,....but what you said left this impression, a person has to really like reading to spend 4 years dong it and at the end of 4 years your degree is worthless in the marketplace .
With your being a smart, well-spoken guy; it tickles me that you mispronounce "library" just like I do.
Getting a STEM degree. If I did English I'd probably lose it.
That's okay. If I did a STEM degree I would be a sad person. Everyone is different.
I associate English with pure misery and boredom - I can't get out of it for now, but when I take my GCSEs this summer coming, I'll never have to do it ever again, which I can't wait for. I'd go insane if I did a degree or A level in it. English is definitely not for me
What was your minor?
Thanks for the warning,
However; I don’t think I see another roads in the horizon, at least for now.
This is a social suicide for real.
Pray for my soul 🪶
i thought u were pregnant 😭😭
Survive a degree?? That makes no sense.
4:30 "... and to reinterpret these pieces of primary text through the theories that you've read."
Oh, no! I hope that's not what it's like! You don't interpret the primary text through this & that theory. You should be trying to understand what the AUTHOR meant by what they were writing.
why? how?
If you major in literature, you will come to understand that there is no one single meaning and that we also can never know what the author intended to say. First, because they are probably dead; second, writing is usually a process where ideas change and merge. Lastly, you can analyze and interpret literature in many ways that even go directly against what the text ist saying. The recipient is always in power and the author’s role has next to no importance in post-modern theories.
Any tips for people who graduate with a low Gpa? my reason is mental health🥲