ENGLISH LITERATURE

INTRODUCTION

Students study a wide range of literary texts which are drawn from different time periods and from the three main genres of prose fiction, poetry and drama. Students develop the skill of writing well-organised and clear essays which discuss issues raised in set texts, analyse authors’ techniques and describe and explain their own response to what they have read. At A Level, English Literature students are generally encouraged to see that meanings of texts are not fixed and that multiple interpretations are possible. Essays often set up a debate

and students have to carefully argue a case, challenging the interpretations of other readers and developing their own informed personal responses. A willingness to read, discuss and write about literature is essential.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The course focuses on the study of tragedy as a genre and literary movement that has developed throughout history; texts focused on here are Othello by William Shakespeare, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Millers and a selection of poems by John Keats. Alongside this, students will also study elements of political and social protest writing; here the focus texts are The Handmaid's Tale by Margeret Atwood, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Songs of Innocence and of Experience by William Blake. Students are also required to explore links between these texts and develop their appreciation of how different contexts ‘shape’ texts and possible meanings. Independent reading is also a requirement.

In Year 12 students are assessed by in class assessments only, but in Year 13 they are assessed by both exam and non-exam coursework components (e.g. essays that will be assessed by your teacher and then moderated by AQA).

ALLIED SUBJECTS

English Literature sits well with most subjects. It complements foreign languages, Drama & Theatre Studies, Psychology and History particularly well.

STUDY METHODS

Essay work is regularly required, though writing in this course will vary in length and style. Students will also be expected to research topics and to give presentations to the other members of their class. Students are expected to pursue their own reading interests and to read around the set texts, including reference to critical sources. Students will work collaboratively and independently. Teachers use study methods that encourage students to develop their own informed responses to texts including, for example, literary debates and utilising literary criticism and theory.

To study this course requires a minimum Grade 6 or higher at both GCSE English Language and English Literature.