English Literature

Course summary

This course covers a range of canonical and modern literature texts including prose, poetry and drama. Students learn to compare and analyse form, structure and language and develop high level critical skills. They are required to read and think independently and develop a personal engagement with texts and ideas. The course is assessed purely through essay writing, so much time is spent on developing the skills of clear, precise and lucid written communication. Students study two major prose texts – typically one classic and one modern such as ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’. They also study a major drama such as ‘Doctor Faustus’ and a collection of contemporary poetry ‘Poems of the Decade’. They also complete a coursework essay of 3000 words on two texts, one of which is usually ‘The Great Gatsby’ in comparison with a text of their choice. In the U6, students study a Shakespeare play, typically ‘Hamlet’ and a single poet such as Chaucer.