English Literature

Course summary

English Literature is not just for those who love reading and books; it concerns the big questions affecting our very existence. English Literature has always been a highly respected A-level that can be instrumental in helping you gain a university place in a variety of subjects, largely because it involves so many transferable skills. In English Literature, we teach you to think analytically, to consider other points of view, and to listen effectively and sensitively; important skills for the seminar-style environment you will find at university. One of the most important skills you will learn is how to write coherently and critically. This is key for a host of other subjects at A-level and is invaluable in higher education and the world of employment. The course focuses on the themes of Tragedy and Crime. Initially, you will study one Shakespeare text (usually Othello), one modern drama text (usually Miller’s Death of a Salesman) and one collection of pre-1900 poetry (usually Keats). You will go on to take a further unit on Elements of Crime, for which you will study two additional prose texts and one poetry text.