Why should I study English Literature?
English Literature provides you with the opportunity to develop your interest and enjoyment in literary studies. You will explore challenging ideas, as expressed through poetry, prose and drama from different periods. You will be encouraged to develop your own responses to texts, considering other readers’ interpretations, with a deepening appreciation of the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers. The course is of interest to anyone keen to find out about the way literature challenges conventional thinking in the field of human relationships and ideas.
What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1: Poetry (post-1900) & Drama 1 post-1990)
Section A: You will study 2 modern poetry texts: the Irish poet Seamus Heaney’s New Selected Poems and another linked text, Owen Sheers’ Skirrid Hill.
Section B: You will study one contemporary drama text. (Oleanna).
Unit 2: Prose Study & Creative Reading
Section A: Prose Study:
You will produce a folder of about 3000 words, exploring two novels to be chosen by individual teachers.
Section B: Creative Reading:
You will write a short creative piece in response to a stimulus text within the genre of gothic literature.
A2 Units
Unit 3: Period & Genre Study
You will produce an essay of about 3000 words exploring comparisons between 3 texts (the poetry of Emily Dickinson, The Bell Jar, a novel by Sylvia Plath, and The Wasp Factory, a novel by Ian Banks).
Unit 4: Poetry (Pre-1800) & Drama 2
(Shakespeare & related drama)
Section A: You will study 1 poetry text written before 1800. Examination on this text will also include analysis of an unseen short poem from any period.
Section B: You will study 1 Shakespeare play (Measure for Measure) together with a partner text. (The Duchess of Malfi).
What are the entry requirements?
Normal college entry requirements plus GCSE English Language grade C. GCSE English Literature grade C if studied would be an advantage.
What skills do I need?
- An enthusiasm for reading
- An ability to write fluent essays
- An ability to analyse literature
How will I be taught?
The subject is taught by 2 teachers using a variety of learning methods. There are many opportunities for small group and paired work, as well as independent research, where students consult with teachers on a one-to - one basis. All courses are supported by an online Blackboard site that can be accessed from home.
How is the course assessed?
AS & A Level involves 30% exam and 20% coursework.
Unit 1: a 2½ hr written exam
Unit 2: Coursework involves independent essays and a short piece of creative writing
Unit 3: you will tackle a more ambitious research project.
Unit 4: is a traditional “closed book” 2½ hr written exam.
What will this course prepare me for?
Typically, these include teaching, the law the civil service, journalism and the media. However, because of its traditional status as a core subject at the heart of the humanities, English Literature graduates are recruited into a very wide range of professions.
Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.
What materials will I need to purchase?
You may wish to purchase your own copies of the set texts.
Examining Board
WJEC
English Literature is for you if
You enjoy analysing and discussing poetry, novels and plays and writing weekly essays appeals to you.
English Literature is not for you if
You don’t like coursework, reading or essay-writing.
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