School of English and Media Studies
Welcome to the School
I hope you will find some exciting and challenging papers in the offerings that are available from the School. We also offer some papers from our Auckland and Wellington campuses. We live in a fast and changing knowledge society and in this context it is important to know how to find your way amidst a complex cultural world, as well as to develop skills that are versatile and transferrable. The programme in English and Media Studies thus offers a range of papers that develop knowledge of literary and media texts, film and cultural theory, as well as writing and communication. You can choose options that range from media commentary and cultural criticism to creative writing and the training of practical skills. In particular, the School is developing an approach to literary and media studies that acknowledges the interrelationship of creative speculation and intellectual analysis.
With careful selection of papers you will develop strengths in the following:
- close reading and analysis
- literary and media history
- effective communication in speech and writing
- skill-based creativity
- research and study in areas where originality of thought and careful argument is required
The sheer delight of understanding complex cultural artifacts, both verbal and visual, is an aim in all study at this level, but there are practical goals as well. Students from this School have pursued careers in teaching, marketing, journalism, law, librarianship, radio, television comedy, writing and administration.
Dr John Muirhead
Head of School
