English Literature

Course summary

Course Content A-Level English Literature provides students with the opportunity to develop a deeper love of literature by exploring a range of exciting texts. Students will work towards developing their own views as literary critics through the study of literary theory throughout the course. The course covers: Poetry and Drama Pre-1900 >The Tempest by William Shakespeare >The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster > Paradise Lost (Books Nine and Ten) by John Milton Comparative and Contextual Study (American Literature 1880-1940) >The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald >The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Literature Post-1900 >The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy >A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller >Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Teaching Styles Lessons are primarily discussion based and often include paired or group projects to enable students to develop their own perspectives. Other teaching methods used inside and outside of lessons include: >Online lectures and podcasts >Theatre performances (via The National Theatre) >Reading critical essays and theatre reviews >Half-termly projects leading to group presentations >Essay writing and exam practice with peer and teacher feedback Outside of class, students are expected to read their core texts independently and complete active reading tasks that prepare them to come to lessons ready to discuss their ideas. Career Opportunities English Literature is one of the facilitating subjects for the Russell Group universities. Students who study English Literature go on to a wide range of careers including Journalism, the Civil Service, Teaching, Advertising and Public Relations. The development of student responses in a sympathetic and structured way is of great value in students’ own personal development.