English Literature

Why Should You Take This Course?

‘What am I? Nosing here, turning leaves over Following a faint stain on the air to the river’s edge…’ - Ted Hughes, Woodwo 1961

Do you love to read? Or to explore the magic of a poem? Or the suspense and intrigue of a good novel? Or the tension and anticipation of piece of theatre? If you do, then A level Literature is the course for you. You will unpick the ways writers create meaning using literary techniques and the ways they explore human behaviour; it is a course which allows you to learn about yourself and gives you an insight into the world you live in. You will study the different historical periods of each text from the reigns of Elizabeth 1 and Queen Victoria to the political ideals of the American Dream. You will read the ideas of literary critics, opening a whole wealth of new interpretations. This is an exciting new dimension to studying Literature at an advanced level.

Course content

• Shakespeare text – Hamlet (1604)
• Poetry Pre-1900 – Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
• Poetry Post 1900 – Comparing Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath (20th Century)
• Drama Pre-1900 – John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi (1614)
• Drama Post 1900 – Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire (1947)
• Unseen prose from 1880-1910
• Coursework – Comparative essay on novels from post 2000 and pre-2000 – you can choose your own novels or choose from the selection we offer tasters in Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns, McCarthy’s The Road, H.G.Wells’ The War of the Worlds, Walker’s The Colour Purple, Stockett’s The Help, Fowles’ The Collector and McEwan’s Atonement.

How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through three externally assessed exams and one non-examination assessment.

Are there any special expenses?
You will need to purchase the set texts for the exams and the books you choose for the coursework.

What could I do next?
English Literature is a highly respected subject in Higher Education and can lead to a very wide range of careers, including journalism, teaching, business, marketing, and the Civil Service.

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How to apply for this course

Apply for this course