English Literature

Course summary

Literature is where art and intellect intersect. It is news that never gets old. It is the discovery of the extraordinary in ordinary life. It does not only describe reality - it enriches it. Literature means many things to many people and is so much more than the study of poetry, prose and drama. In reading and exploring a range of texts from across different times, forms, genres and cultures, students of A Level English Literature will discover how writers from the Renaissance to the present day have wrestled with questions about the nature of love and what it means to be human. Students of A-Level English Literature will explore the broad themes of ‘Love through the Ages’ and ‘Texts in Shared Contexts: Modern Times’. In studying the former, they will encounter the jealousy and murderous rage of Othello and the scheming of the evil Iago; the undying passion of Heathcliff and Cathy, whose love won’t yield to marriage or even death; the lyricism of Seamus Heaney, the cynicism of Phillip Larkin and the sometimes shocking confessional poetry of Anne Sexton to name a few. In studying ‘Modern Times’, students will engage with drama, poetry and prose texts which ask important questions about race, class, gender and identity in the world today. English Literature remains a hugely desirable A-Level for top universities and can lead to range of degrees and careers. English Literature A-level also offers students the chance to independently produce coursework on two texts of their choice. The freedom offered by this element of the course helps students read widely, engage critically with texts and prepare for the kind of independent work and research they will need for degree level study while finding and refining their own voices as readers, critics and writers.