English Literature

Course summary

To develop a passion for English Literature through reading widely and independently, set texts and others that the students have selected themselves. They will engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts, including novels, plays, and poetry, and discover different ways of responding to them. Students will evaluate how different literary theories and other readers’ interpretations shape their reading of a text. They will also develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis through the close critical reading of texts. Furthermore, students will demonstrate an appreciation of how contextual influences shaped the writers’ own lives, whilst also evaluating how social and historical contexts are reflected in the texts they are studying. Over the two-year course of study, students will: • Analyse texts in depth; exploring how language, structure, dramatic devices, and poetical techniques affect and shape meaning. • Explore contrasts, connections, and comparisons between literary texts. • Articulate informed, personal, and creative responses to the texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate, written expression. • Explore how meaning and understanding are shaped by different interpretations over time. • Identify and consider how attitudes and values are expressed in the texts. • Consider the significance of contextual and cultural influences on readers and writers • Explore how texts relate to one another and literary traditions, movements, and genres.