The enduring value of an English literature degree

Photograph: Alamy

It’s a shame that Arwa Mahdawi thinks that her degree in English literature means that she left university “with no life skills apart from the ability to be pretentious at the drop of a hat” (Why would anyone hate Ted Lasso?, 22 September). I think she’s underselling herself. On the evidence of her column, she can also construct a logical, evidenced and persuasive argument conveyed in precise and lucid English.

Far from only learning to be pretentious, most English literature students develop a range of critical, analytical and communication skills, including the ability to identify bullshit when they see it. These skills are highly prized by many employers and, incidentally, by newspaper editors and readers.
Diana Wallace
Professor of English literature, University of South Wales

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