English Language and Literature

Course summary

Have you ever wondered how texts work? How do we know what a writer is trying to imply in their work? How do they craft a character who seems so real? How are you persuaded to visit Paris by just the words on a piece of paper? This course will enable you to explore these ideas and more, using literary concepts and approaches, and introducing a range of linguistic terminology. The course has been designed to have a focus on the integration of language and literature. Although there are some similarities with the GCSE, much of the linguistic work will be new to you and will help you to explore texts in much sharper detail. You will study both literary and non-literary texts, fiction and non- fiction. The variety of assessment styles used, such as re-creative writing, commentary writing, discursive essays and research-based investigative writing, enables you to develop a wide range of skills. These include the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research. English Language and Literature is a highly regarded academic subject and combines particularly well with History and Drama, but can also provide a useful balance to Science subjects. If you are interested in any Higher Education courses, and careers such as journalism, teaching, consultancy, law, publishing, the media and communication, you will find A-Level English Language and Literature useful.