English Literature

Which tragic heroes are deserving of our sympathy? What motivates a criminal? How has literature been used to effect social or political change? English Literature A-level offers you the chance to consider these core questions as you explore influential works of literature spanning time, society and cultures. As you delve into the genres of tragedy, crime, political and protest writing, you will explore timeless questions about human nature and its power both to unite and divide us.

Subject Information

English Literature centres on the study of texts, anchored by the central tenets of theme, genre, authorial intent and context. You will study a wide range of prose, drama and poetry, engaging in critical discussion and unpicking theorists along the way. You will also have the chance to complete a piece of original coursework focusing on literary theory. By embarking on this fascinating subject, you will equip yourself to become a more intellectually curious and empathetic individual; you will develop your skills as both a reader and a writer while broadening your horizons and understanding of the world around us.  

Course Details

What will I study? 

  • Unit 1 focuses on Literary Genres. You will study a range of poetry, prose and drama from Shakespeare to the 20th century. Expect an in-depth examination of the human condition, from its highest to lowest points! 
  • Unit 2 focuses on Elements of Crime/Politics/Social Protest Writing. You will study poetry, prose and drama texts united by a common theme. Expect psychological, philosophical and sociological discussions about human nature! 
  • Non-exam assessment: in this unit, you will produce two tasks exploring critical theory. This is an opportunity to truly personalise your education by selecting your own texts and pursuing original lines of enquiry and interest.   


What can I expect beyond the classroom?
 

  • Cross-curricular opportunities with History, Drama and Art  
  • Academic lectures and seminar sessions 
  • Visits from guest speakers 
  • Theatre trips and film screenings  

Subject Specific Entry Requirements

  • Grade 6 in GCSE English Language / Literature. 

Where could English Literature take me?

By studying English Literature you will learn to examine the world around you in a more nuanced, critical and empathetic way by exposing yourself to the stories and histories of different characters and contexts. English Literature is widely recognised by universities and employers alike for having one of the widest ranges of transferrable skills of any subject. English Literature can equip you to pursue further education or a career in a huge range of fields including: publishing, broadcasting, marketing and PR, journalism, law, teaching and politics. 

Reading List

Set Texts 

  • Othello by William Shakespeare 
  • Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy 
  • Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller 
  • Brighton Rock by Graham Greene 
  • Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge 
  • Atonement by Ian McEwan 
  • Propa Propaganda by Benjamin Zephaniah 


Wider Reading
 

In addition to your set texts, it would be beneficial (and enjoyable!) to read around these. You might choose to explore works by the same author or from the same genre. You might also like to read material from the ‘prizes’, e.g. The Booker Prize List or the Orange Prize for Fiction. 

Reference Books

  • A Dictionary of Literary Terms by Michael Gray 
  • Doing English by Robert Eaglestone 
  • How to Write Better Essays by Bryan Greetham 
  • Oxford Concise Companion to English Literature by Margaret Drabble and Jenny Stringer 
  • The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry 
  • The Poet’s Craft by Sandy Brownjohn 


Magazines/Journals
 

  • The Times Literary Supplement – a weekly literary review 

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