English Literature

Course summary

Why study the subject According to Sir Philip Sidney the purpose of Literature is to ‘teach and to delight’ so it could be said that A Level English Literature will bring knowledge and pleasure. Studying a range of literature will broaden your ideas, develop the skills involved in debate and discussion, encourage the discipline of detailed textual analysis – it will open and stretch your mind. It is a highly regarded, useful foundation for a range of university subjects. Skills Acquired • How to analyse, interpret and compare texts • How to construct an argument • The ability to evaluate the influence of various contextual factors • An understanding of different ways of reading and writing about texts • The ability to handle complex ideas, search for patterns and interpret information in a wider context • Research skills • Written and verbal communication skills Students suited to the course This is a highly challenging course for thinkers and readers who are passionate about literature and love reading. We study a range of novels, plays and poems from a variety of time periods. Successful A Level English Literature students are critical thinkers who enjoy discussing the themes and issues of literary texts; who undertake an extensive range of wider reading which they utilise to inform the texts studied and are confident sharing ideas after reading, engaging with the perspective of the author as well as the contexts of the texts. Choose this course if you are interested in interpreting the methods and motives of writers, then writing analytical essays to demonstrate your skills. What other subjects it combines well with The study of literature will blend well with many others as the skills of evaluation, critical analysis and writing with clarity are vital in all subject areas. Career or HE the course leads to In terms of careers, the core skills of writing articulately to express an argument and thinking in an evaluative, critical, analytical way are transferrable to many careers. Notable examples include journalism and writing, editing and publishing, teaching and careers in law. Any careers where communication is an important component relate to A Level English Literature; all employers will want you to be able to use language effectively. This is a highly respected qualification which will assist any UCAS application towards degree level study in academic subjects. Co-curricular Theatre visits.