A-Level Results Week Sparks Reflection on Cultural Shifts in Education
- Fewer students enrolling in English literature courses may lead to a decline in literary studies.
- The lack of students could result in a decrease in literary criticism and the potential loss of campus novels.
- Concerns over the future of literary academia arise as English literature becomes less popular among students.
As A-level results week unfolds, a sense of nostalgia permeates the air, particularly for those not directly involved in the process. A presenter’s cheerful inquiry about a student’s future plans reveals a shift in academic interests, with the student set to pursue English literature at Durham University. This choice stands in stark contrast to the prevailing emphasis on STEM subjects, raising questions about the future of the humanities in education. The author reflects on a recent extensive study of poet W.H. Auden, noting its overwhelming size and suggesting that such works may soon become relics in a world increasingly focused on science and technology. The author expresses astonishment at the student’s passion for literature, pondering the broader implications of this cultural shift on society and the arts. The decline of the campus novel genre is highlighted, with references to John Mullan’s lament in the New Statesman regarding its fading relevance. The essay traces the evolution of this literary form, from Mary McCarthy’s 1952 satire to contemporary works, underscoring a loss of satirical engagement with academia. In a lighter note, the author finds humor in the plight of academics who feel disconnected from the cultural commentary that once defined their field. Meanwhile, the Courtauld Gallery showcases an exhibition by British photographer Roger Mayne, offering a glimpse into the enduring power of visual art amidst these shifting educational landscapes.