English Literature

English Literature at A-level explores different genres of literature.

Students will learn about different critical approaches, write analytical essays and explore the work of literary critics. They will also create original ideas and interpretations of great literary texts.

 

‘Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart.’  Salman Rushdie

Throughout the course, students are given opportunities to visit the theatre and attend study days based on texts (when social distancing allows). Throughout the course, teachers expect students to read widely for pleasure and draw on their reading in their coursework and exam work.

Course Outline

80% examination, 20% coursework

Unit 1 - Love Through the Ages	Unit 2 - Texts in Shared Contexts	Unit 3 - Coursework Piece
Shakespeare: Othello	Margaret Atwood: The Handmaid’s Tale	You will write one 2,500 word essay comparing two texts, at least one of which must be written before 1900.
Selected poems for ‘unseen’ poetry section	Selected modern prose extracts
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby	Carol Ann Duffy: Feminine Gospels
Poetry pre-1900 (pre-assigned anthology)	Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire

Progression

An A Level in English Literature is highly regarded by universities as the analytical and writing skills that you will learn are beneficial to all degree subjects and indeed most careers. Many lawyers, journalists and politicians have studied A Level English Literature. More importantly though, reading a lot of exciting novels, plays and poems will make you a more inquisitive and interesting person.