Need English/Psychology advice. Making preparations for NUIM

karaokeman

Hi all.

I'm planning to come to Maynooth september, Psychology first choice, Arts second.

Recently I've been reading exam papers from the website, just to get a pre-taste of college work.

I'm wondering how many modules do you take in 1st year, how many are optional, how many are compulsory etc. in the following courses I wish to study through Arts, Psychology, English, Sociology.

So far the questions seem ok. I wouldn't be able to answer them now as I haven't done any of the courses but I do think I would be able for it if I studied the course material.

Also does anyone know what English texts might come up next year? I might read some of them over the summer to see what I will be up against when I come to NUIM. I'm especially interested in American Fiction.

Thanks to all.

BuroniKiisu

Although I can't speak for Sociology, there are no optional modules in Psychology and English in your first year. You do four modules in each subject; two each semester.

For info on what these modules are, check here:

http://www.nuim.ie/courses/?Target=QUALIFICATION&Mode=VIEW&OFFERING_CODE=U_DEGREE&QUALIFICATION_CODE=ARTS

Seren_

For Sociology, you do 4 modules - 3 which you have to do, and then you pick one out of two for your fourth module. Here's a link to the handbooks on the sociology department website. The stuff that's in this year's is basically the same as what will be in next year's.

If you want to get a book for sociology before September, I recommend Anthony Gidden's Sociology. It's a good introductory text, and it's really useful for essays in first year. Try and get it second hand, as it's quite expensive - there's pretty much no difference between editions. so don't feel like you have to get the latest.

I'm not really sure what texts you'll be doing in English, because the reading list tends to change from year to year, but a good book for an introduction to all the lovely theory you'll be learning is Beginning Theory by Peter Barry. If you've any more questions, ask away

wonton

Your Text Here wrote: »

I'm not really sure what texts you'll be doing in English, because the reading list tends to change from year to year, but a good book for an introduction to all the lovely theory you'll be learning is Beginning Theory by Peter Barry. If you've any more questions, ask away

I second that, definitely get beginning theory by peter barry.

I done english two years ago and the course has changed a bit but I think maybe reading more about important writers and getting an understanding of the different movements of writings would help rather than chancing reading a book that could come up.


maybe try Ian watt's rise of the novel, as I remember that was useful especially for studying robinson crusoe,which maybe someone here doing english more recently can correct me, but I think this book nearly always comes up on the course.

Mastroph

wonton wrote: »

I done english two years ago

:P

Ms. Koi

First year books were the same this year as last year for English, which included James Joyce 'Dubliners'.
I'm going into the English department this week to chat about the book lists thing, so I promise I'll get back to you with something by the end of the week!
It's a brilliant course though, I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm just at the end of Second year now.

karaokeman

kellief wrote: »

First year books were the same this year as last year for English, which included James Joyce 'Dubliners'.
I'm going into the English department this week to chat about the book lists thing, so I promise I'll get back to you with something by the end of the week!
It's a brilliant course though, I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm just at the end of Second year now.

Thanks.
Do let me know as soon as you find out.
I'm planning on writing a book list so I will be well prepared for NUIM etc.
I alread have Beginning Theory by Peter Barry down.

Ms. Koi

I will of course!

UnLuckyAgain

karaokeman wrote: »

Thanks.
Do let me know as soon as you find out.
I'm planning on writing a book list so I will be well prepared for NUIM etc.
I alread have Beginning Theory by Peter Barry down.

I'm finishing up in third year English now, so thought i'd give my two cents worth.

As far as reading lists go, they fluctuate from year to year but there are some that are repeated - Dubliners for example as someone already mentioned seems to be a core text for the Irish Studies module every year, so you could start with that. Its very enjoyable so even if its not required (unlikely), you'll benefit from having read it.

Many people seem to have misconceptions with regards to reading lists for English - while it is desirable to be able to read all the texts, reality is that you won't read all the texts, especially as the lectures tend to move quite swiftly. So don't stress out about completing all the listed texts, maybe select the ones you think might interest you the most. That way, you'll find exam questions much easier to approach. From my experience, majority of the modules only require you to have read 2 or 3 texts in order to complete essay assignments or final exams, so if you're well organised you can plan your reading material in advance for exam purposes.

Shout if you need any more help.