A Level English Literature

Course summary

Is it ever right to take on the role of God? Can marriage and independence coexist? To what extent was Shakespeare critical of colonialism? The beauty of English Literature lies in how writers craft their texts to create stories and worlds that can be seen as a mirror of our own society. When studying Literature, you will read and appreciate some of the greatest and most influential writings ever published, which force us to face some challenging questions about our own beliefs and attitudes. Literature is explored in many different forms, including novels, drama, poetry, and short stories; these texts are selected across an expansive time period to encapsulate some of the most pertinent issues in various eras across history. Criticality is key to fully appreciate the complex ideas conveyed in literature. You will be able to familiarise yourself with different schools of thought and learn to interpret texts through varied perspectives, including dramatic and theatrical adaptations. The genre study of The Gothic will also develop an in-depth understanding of the developments in this area, comparing different approaches and identifying connections across texts. 1: Drama and Poetry Pre 1900 The Tempest William Shakespeare A Doll’s House Henrik Ibsen Selected Poems Christina Rossetti 2: Comparative and Contextual study The Bloody Chamber Angela Carter Frankenstein Mary Shelley Unseen Gothic Extracts 3: Literature Post 1900 (Coursework) Three texts: One poetry, one prose, one drama Two tasks: Close reading analytical essay and a Comparative essay Note: Text choices are subject to change This course is suitable for: - student who have a passion for reading and are able to do this independently. - students who are willing to engage in arguments and debates, a clear communicator, who is willing to explore different interpretations.