English Literature
A Level
“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” – Joan Didion
Those who enjoy stories will enjoy English Literature. The course is designed to encourage wide reading and detailed research within the field of literary studies. It offers a programme that will be rewarding and enjoyable in its own right, and forms a basis for further specialist work at degree level.
The principal aim of the two-year course rests in students exploring different literary styles from different cultural periods and emerging as confident, subtle analysts. The core focus therefore consists of twelve texts ranging from Chaucer through Shakespeare to the modern age.
The greatest proportion of the two years involves seminar-style discussion centred on the set texts, related works, critical technique and the chronology of literature through the last six centuries. Students are taught by two members of staff who divide up the syllabus content according to their areas of expertise and fields of research. Lessons are student-centred in format, with ‘pair’ and ‘group’ work employed strategically to enhance formal discussion sessions and as the basis for essay preparation.
