Course Overview
This subject will encourage you to look more closely at different texts and to make connections between them. You will be introduced to some of the interesting contextual factors that shaped the writing and the different readings of texts.
In year one you will study Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and the poetry of Edward Thomas and Alun Lewis. In year two you will study The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale by Chaucer and King Lear by Shakespeare.
You will also complete a coursework module on two prose texts from different periods.
Updated November 2019
Entry Requirements
You need a minimum of seven GCSE passes at grade C or above with B grades in both English Literature and English Language.
Course Delivery
You will be taught by two lecturers, for four lessons per week, totalling 4.5 hours for AS and A2 students. Assessment will include timed assignments, presentations and a mock exam at Christmas.
At AS Level:
Unit 1 – Prose and Drama – 2 hr exam
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Unit 2 – Poetry Post -1900 – 2 hr exam
Edward Thomas Selected Poems and Alun Lewis: Collected Poems.
At A Level
Unit 3 – Poetry pre-1900 – 2 hr exam
The Merchant’s Prologue and Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
Unit 4 – Shakespeare – 2 hr exam
King Lear
Unit 5 – Prose Study – Non-examined assessment
A 3000 word essay comparing a novel written before 2000 with one written after.
Progression Opportunities
Either A level English Literature or A Level English Language and Literature are essential for those who want to read English Literature at a higher level, but are also invaluable for future journalists, teachers and anyone who has an interest in using words with confidence.
The course encourages the development of useful skills that will enhance career or higher education prospects: essay writing technique will improve as well as your ability to express yourself orally. However, perhaps more importantly, we hope that you will also develop a lifelong fascination with reading and discussing ideas.