English Language and Literature

Course summary

The course integrates the study of both language and literature, underpinned by the idea that the study of each element supports the other. In practice, it is quite difficult to separate the different parts of the course, so we deliver them together. WHY SHOULD I STUDY ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE? If you enjoy reading and analysing fiction and nonfiction texts and also wish to continue developing your own writing skills then the combined English course is an excellent choice. It is a natural progression from what you have studied at GCSE level. You will have the opportunity to extend the range of your reading and learn to analyse closely many types of writing. We look at how context, audience and purpose are integral to any piece of writing. You will also study the features of spoken language and explore the ways we interact with each other. You also develop your own non-fiction and creative writing skills. COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT The emphasis in class will be on discussion and active explorations of a variety of texts. We will also help you develop the study skills you need to become an effective, independent student of language and literature, by exploring the issues, which arise from a combined study. In the first year of the course you will study the following areas: • Poetry (Rapture by Carol Ann Duffy) • Drama text (A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams) • Non-fiction Spoken and Written texts (Anthology) • Producing fiction texts In the second year you will continue your study of the above texts and in addition you will study: • Aspects of Narrative (The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald) • Independent investigation (Coursework) • Writing non-fiction texts In all aspects of the course you will study how the historical, social and literary context influences the texts that you study and closely examine how writers and speakers use language.