English Literature

English Literature Summary

English Literature opens up a journey of discovery of our world: what would it be like to someone else, somewhere else, sometime else. If you love reading, including discovering the remarkable life and times of a writer, debating meanings in influential texts then ‘English Literature’ is for you. You will explore a range of works, including plays, poetry, and prose from a variety of time periods. The historic approach of study will ensure you work with the view that each text is influenced by the times in which it was written, and that it may be interpretated differently according to the social contexts, viewpoints, or beliefs of the reader.  

You will develop a curiosity of the written word as you gain an understanding of the traditions of literature, make informed opinions, and develop your knowledge of cultural and historical influences. By reading widely, across a range of centuries and genres, you will develop as an independent reader and as a critic as you expand your powers of analysis and an understanding of literature in all its forms. 

Entry Requirements

• Grade 5 or above in English Language or English Literature. 

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA Specification A

How you will study

English Literature explores texts from around the world, written in the English language, which express ideas about humanity and society. You will study plays, poetry, and prose from a variety of time periods spanning four hundred years. There is an emphasis on contributing to group discussions alongside academic essay writing. These modes of study will expand your critical thinking skills, as you evaluate different interpretations based on context and literary theory. 

Component breakdown

Paper 1 – Texts in Shared Contexts: this unit covers the theme of modern times – literature from 1945 to the present day. 

• You will study one novel, one collection of poetry, and one play, all written post-1945. 
• You will explore literature’s engagement with some of the social, political and literary issues which have shaped the 20th and early 21st Centuries. 
• You will also prepare to analyse unseen prose. 

Paper 2 – Love Through the Ages: this unit covers the theme of love through time – attitudes to all different aspects of love. 

• You will study one novel, an anthology of pre-1900 poetry (14 poems dating from 1538 onwards) and a Shakespeare play. 
• You will also prepare to analyse unseen poetry.  

Non-Examined Assessment – Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time. 

• You will prepare a 2500-word essay comparing an aspect of two texts of your own choice, one of which must have been written pre-1900. This is an opportunity to explore an area of literature that is of interest to you. Possible themes include the Gothic, representations of gender or social class, or satire and dystopia. 
• You will create a debate by analysing each text through a critical lens for example feminism, post colonialism or Marxism.  

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