English Literature

Course summary

The study of English Literature at A Level helps you to develop a number of subject-specific as well as transferable skills by encouraging in-depth, critical and contextual thinking in response to a range of literary works. Reading, discussing and writing are key. You will be expected not just to read, but to develop the skill of thinking critically about what you read and of analysing texts to work out how the author’s use of situation and language create powerful impressions. You will need to explore your own emotional response to writing and be able to discuss it, in class and through your own writing, and to argue constructively for your point of view. Through prose, poetry and drama students will learn to understand more about the cultural framework of the world they live in today, and the way in which writers through the ages have sought to explore social issues through their writing.