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Do you love reading? If so, English Literature is for you. The course enables you to study a broad range of literary texts from modern poetry, to Shakespeares drama, Romantic poetry and contemporary novels. You will cover all aspects of how texts are influenced by contexts ranging from the 1300s to the 21st century. In lessons, you will learn how to analyse all aspects of text in depth as well as engaging in creative, drama and visual responses to literature.
You should normally have achieved at least five GCSEs at grade 9-4.
You must have achieved at least a grade 5 in English Language or English Literature.
You will study:
– Poetry written since 2000; really modern, exciting poems. Some are funny, some tragic, some experimental and all are thought provoking.
– Classic poetry by John Keats; a Romantic poet who writes beautifully about love, loss and the concept of beauty.
– Shakespeare; one play from a choice of eight.
– 20th Century drama; the modern classic play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams set in 1950s New Orleans.
Your study of prose will comprise comparative analysis of Mary Shelley’s 19th century novel ‘Frankenstein’ and Margaret Atwood’s 1980s dystopian novel ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. We will explore topics such as the misuse of science, religion and gender, and the Gothic.
Your coursework study will comprise comparative analysis of Jane Austen’s classic romance novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with another novel of your choice from a prescribed list of 18th-21st century romantic novels such as Emily Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Heights’, E.M Forster’s ‘Maurice’, and Andre Aciman’s ‘Call Me By Your Name’. You will visit Jane Austen’s house for a workshop and tour as part of your coursework study.
Lesson activities are wide-ranging, from discussion and debates to drama-based interpretations to detailed analysis and feedback. Lessons include creative responses to texts like painting, collage, or found-poetry, as well as mini-lectures and research on context or theory. We also organise a huge range of trips to theatres and poetry competitions to develop your understanding of the text and context.
20% coursework, 80% exams.
Three exam papers; Prose, Drama and Poetry.
Purchase of set texts will be approximately £40 over two years.
Optional trips from £20 each.
