English Literature

Course summary

English Literature is a well-respected qualification which gives students a greater understanding of the history of the English language and the social, historical and political contexts in which the literature was created. Component 1: Drama 30% of the total qualification Students study:  One Shakespeare play and one other Drama from either Tragedy or Comedy - both texts may be selected from one or both of these categories.  A collection of essays and critical essays related to their selected Shakespeare play. Students’ preparation is supported by Shakespeare: A Critical Anthology – Tragedy or Shakespeare: A Critical Anthology – Comedy. Written examination, lasting 2 hours. Open book – clean copies of the drama texts can be taken into the examination. Component 2: Prose 20% of the total qualification Students study:  Two prose texts from a chosen theme. At least one of the prose texts must be pre-1900. Written examination, lasting 1 hour 15 minutes. Open book – clean copies of the prose texts can be taken into the examination. Component 3: Poetry 30% of the total qualification Students will:  prepare for responding to an unseen modern poem, through study of poetic form, meaning, language style  study either a range of poetry from a literary period or a range of poetry by a named poet from within a literary period. Written examination, lasting 2 hours.  Open book – clean copies of the poetry texts can be taken into the examination. Coursework 20% of the total qualification Students have a free choice of two texts to study.  One extended comparative essay referring to two texts.  Advisory total word count is 2500-3000 words.