An A level in English Literature will equip students with an array of different skills and knowledge. During the two years, students will explore a range of texts from different genres and different periods. Students will develop an ability to analyse texts from different perspectives, using contextual factors as well as the views of others to inform their own critical opinions. Paper 1: Drama This unit explores the dramatic genres of Comedy or Tragedy. Students will study one Shakespeare play from either genre, exploring dramatic devices, themes, conventions, and contextual factors, as well as another play of the same genre by a different playwright. Paper 2: Prose Students will read and study two prose texts, at least one of which will be pre-1900. These two texts will be linked thematically. Possible themes include Colonisation and its Aftermath; Science and Society; The Supernatural; and Women and Society. Paper 3: Poetry Students will prepare for writing about poems by studying an anthology of poems from 2002-2011. This will allow students to respond to and enjoy works by Patience Agbabi, Seamus Heaney, Simon Armitage and Daljit Nagra, amongst others. This will develop their understanding of poetic form, content, and meaning, as well as the ability to make links across texts. Students will also develop their understanding of poetic style by studying either a selection of poetry from a single-named poet, or a selection of poetry from a literary period or movement, such as The Romantic Period or the work of Philip Larkin. They will also respond to an unseen poem. Coursework: Independent Reading Students choose and study two texts to produce one extended comparative essay referring to those two texts. There is freedom of choice within this coursework unit to reflect personal preference and wider literary reading. For examples of the kinds of texts students are expected to choose, see the end of this page.