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. This course will introduce you to a range of texts from all three of the major literary genres: prose, poetry and drama. You will study eight texts including a Shakespeare play, two prose texts on a particular theme, an anthology of poetry and either selected poems or works of a named poet. For the coursework element of this A Level you will work independently, studying a theme of your own choice to produce a comparative study of two texts which will develop your skills of interpretation, analysis and critical thinking. The course will give you an understanding of the influence of the cultural, historical and social contexts of the texts you are reading. You'll develop the skills to analyse meaning and write creatively and persuasively about your own personal response to literature in a critical and coherent manner. Through formal classroom teaching, individual and group project work, discussions and debates. You will be expected to undertake private study including reading widely, research, revision and homework tasks.