English Literature

Course summary

This course is for students who want to continue studying English Literature after GCSE. It will suit you if you enjoy reading widely from different types of fiction including novels, poetry and plays. It naturally complements other arts and humanities subjects and is particularly suited to students wishing to pursue careers in the arts, the media, business, education, law or any other field in which communication and analytical skills are important. You'll be introduced to a range of past and contemporary writing including prose, poetry and drama (one of which will be Shakespeare). You'll explore the texts from the perspective of two different genres: either comedy or tragedy, crime writing or political and social protest writing. The course will give you an understanding of the influence of the cultural, historical and social contexts of the texts you are reading and the ways that authors shape meaning within their works. You'll develop the skills to write creatively and persuasively about your own personal response to literature in a critical and coherent manner. For the coursework element you will work independently, studying a theme of your own choice analysing two texts which will develop your skills of interpretation, analysis and critical thinking.