English Literature

Course summary

Drama: Othello (William Shakespeare) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Tennessee Williams) Study of both dramatic texts to include critique and analysis of the dramatic intentions of the playwright. Contextual research and understanding. A focus on the Tragic (genre). We start with this so that students can build on their prior attainment with the Shakespeare text at GCSE, and can then elevate their thoughts to the higher analytical standard required. Poetry: Poetry of the Decade (anthology) and The Romantics (chosen works) Comparative analysis of poems from modern writers, both known and unseen. A study of ‘The Romantics’ as a movement in which we explore a wide range of poetry, and consider the impact that Romantic ideals had on this poetry. This is studied in the first year to embed and develop skills of analysis which are vital for success at A Level. Additionally, there is a high volume of poems that need to be covered so ample time is required. Prose: Beloved (Toni Morrison) and The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde). Comparative study of the two texts based on thematic links. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of both texts and the context in which they were written. These texts are studied in the second year due to their complexity. Moreover, this structure allows time for students to read both texts over the summer holidays.