English Literature

Course summary

Studying A Level English Literature will encourage you to develop your interest and enjoyment of the written word. You will gain an understanding of the traditions of literature, make informed opinions and judgements on literary texts and develop your knowledge of cultural and historical influences on text. By reading widely, and critically, across centuries, gender and genre, you will develop as an independent reader and critic. You will be taught to critically analyse a text according to its historical and cultural period and, as well as enjoying great works, you’ll develop keen powers of analysis and an understanding of literature in all its forms. Key objectives • Build on the skills and knowledge you have already gained at GCSE. • Critically read, analyse and enjoy a wide variety of different texts. • Develop your written communication skills to a high level. The texts covered include: • ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams • ‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett • ‘New Selected Poems’ by Seamus Heaney • ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ by William Shakespeare • ‘The Awakening’ by Kate Chopin • A post-1900 poetry collection You will also analyse unseen texts of different genres. In the coursework option you will be able to study a choice of texts.