A Level: English Literature

The study of a fascinating range of poems, novels and plays. You will study two key modules: Aspects of Tragedy and Elements of Crime Writing. You will also complete coursework where you will choose your own texts to analyse. This highly respected subject will teach you to form coherent, persuasive and well written arguments.

For those that love reading this course is similar to the GCSE course in that students study a range of literature. Lessons are focused on debating stories and genres, exploring characterisations, analysing language and considering the relevance of the world in which the texts were created.

Topics studied in the syllabus include:

Elements of Crime Writing

• The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
• Atonement
• Poetry by Robert Browning, George Crabbe and Oscar Wilde

Aspects of Tradgedy

• ‘Othello’
• ‘Richard II’
• The Great Gatsby

The course might be of interest to:

Students who enjoyed English Literature at GCSE (particularly Shakespeare and poetry) and enjoy debating the motivations of characters and how writers present them. This subject combines well with History and Psychology.

Potential Future Pathways:

Careers which require excellent communication skills and the ability to draw conclusions from a wide range of sources. English is a very popular choice with employees from a range of different professions.

General entry requirement and 5 or above in English Literature or English Language.