English Literature
Why study English Literature?
If you enjoy reading and like to debate and explore social issues and literary texts then English Literature is the ideal option for you.
Literature is a platform for writers to discuss and debate the pressing, and often controversial, social issues of the time. Our set texts enable you to explore a range of concepts including class divides, racial prejudice, sexuality, gender, scientific progression, death and man's complex relationship with religion amongst many others.
Studying English Literature enables you to explore and analyse worlds both within the texts and, importantly, the social contexts that compelled writers to compose provocative pieces of literature that still resonate with readers today.
We will provide you with a platform to probe, debate and critique literary texts in a constructive and academic environment.
Across the two year course, you will engage with a range of literary texts of different genres and time periods to develop a breadth of literary understanding and appreciation whilst also honing your analytical and evaluative skills. Our subject is focused on developing your skills of articulation (both written and spoken), equipping you with vital skills to carry forward into the world of work or higher education. English Literature is a Russell Group facilitating subject due to the stimulating and intellectual nature of the course. English Literature is particularly complimentary for A-Level English Language, History, Sociology, Religious Studies and Law.
Exam Board:
EDEXCEL: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/english-literature-2015.html
Course Outline:
Drama
Othello, William Shakespeare
A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams
Prose
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
Poetry
Selected 21st century poems from Poems of the Decade
Metaphysical poetry by a range of poets including John Donne, George Herbert and Andrew Marvell
Coursework
An extended comparative essay based on two literary texts of your choice.
How you are assessed:
Examinations account for 80% of the assessment and are all extended essays. Across the components there is a mixture of comparative and single-text focused essays. One of the exam components includes analysis of an unseen poem.
Students will complete a comparative coursework essay based on two texts of the students own choice. Every student is guided through the coursework process by a teacher who acts as a dedicated coursework mentor. This will account for 20% of the final marks.
Studying this subject could lead to a career in:
Journalism
Law
Media
Marketing, advertising and PR
Publishing
Teaching
Subject requirements:
A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE English Literature is recommended.
Sixth Form
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