English Literature

Course summary

In this course you will focus on different ways of reading and explore connections which exist between texts. A level study builds on skills you learnt at GCSE but study of texts within literary and cultural genres is enhanced by the study of critical theory. Through this you will gain a solid understanding of how texts can be connected and how they can be interpreted in multiple ways. By the end of the course we hope that you will be confident autonomous readers who are able to arrive at your own interpretations of texts. WHAT WILL I STUDY The course is organised into several units. Paper 1 In Paper 1 you will study a range of authors focusing on the genre of tragedy (Shakespeare, Keats and Miller). Paper 2 In Paper 2 you will study texts by Hosseini, Atwood and Blake, in depth, focusing on the literary genre of social and political protest writing. You will also choose and study a poetry text and prose text independently to create two pieces of coursework (NEAs). WHERE CAN I ENGLISH LITERATURE LEAD? The study of English Literature can be helpful in any career in which a good command of the written word is beneficial, where you are required to think critically or creatively. These might include: marketing manager, copy writer, archivist, content manager, public relations manager, freelance writer, as well as more obvious choices such as, an English teacher, or journalist.