English Literature

Course summary

Why study this subject? Studying for this subject encourages students to develop interest in and enjoyment of English Literature through reading widely, critically and independently across centuries, genre and forms, and through experience of an extensive range of views about texts and how to read them. Developing critical appreciation will encompass reading of literature traditional and new, in translation, fiction and non-fiction. Wherever possible the English Department supports classroom studies with visits to theatres etc. Component One: Shakespeare, Drama and Poetry pre-1900 Section A: Shakespeare – the study of one Shakespeare play (Hamlet). Candidates should be able to: analyze the ways Shakespeare uses the effects of language, structure and form to shape meanings; consider how the issues raised in an extract in relation to their understanding of the play as a whole; consider the ways the play has been interpreted by different audiences Section B: Drama and Poetry pre-1900 – the study of one play (A Doll’s House) and one poem or collection of poems (Rossetti: Selected Poems). Candidates should be able to: demonstrate their understanding of the two texts and connections between them; consider the influence of contexts in which the texts were written; explore different interpretations of the texts. Component Two: Comparative and Contextual Study (American Fiction, 1880—1940) – the study of at least two texts (The Great Gatsby and The Grapes of Wrath) in a selected genre. Candidates should be able to: analyze ways in which writers shape meanings; demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of contexts in which literary texts are written and received; articulate informed, effective judgements of unseen extracts in relation to their selected genre. Component Three: Literature Post-1900 – the study of three texts for two coursework tasks Task One: close reading or re-creative writing with commentary on one literary text (The Crucible). Candidates should be able to: demonstrate close reading skills; identify how attitudes and values are expressed in the chosen text Task Two: comparative essay on two literary texts. Candidates should be able to: explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them; identify and consider how values and attitudes are expressed in texts; explore connections between the texts.