English Literature A Level

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Readers! This A Level is all about books: reading books, analysing books, investigating and considering the contexts of books, comparing books, interpreting books . . . so a love of literature and a willingness to read beyond your usual preferences is essential.

You will study novels, plays and poetry from a range of genres and historical periods, and learn how to write essays about these texts in a sophisticated academic style.

A Level English Literature works well with other essay writing subjects such as History and Law, and also other creative subjects such as Drama and Theatre Studies.

There are 2 examined units.

COMPONENT 1: EXAM

Shakespeare (Measure for Measure)

Drama and poetry pre-1900 (A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen and poetry by Christina Rossetti)

This is a 2 hours 30 minutes written exam.

For Shakespeare, you will be doing a close analysis of Shakespeare’s use of language and dramatic effects and exploring different interpretations of the play across time. For Ibsen and Rossetti, you will be comparing the texts, with a close focus on the significance and influence of the late 19th century context.

COMPONENT 2: EXAM

Close reading in chosen topicarea (Dystopia)

Comparative and contextual study from chosen topicarea (Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Handmaid's Tale by MargaretAtwood)

This is a 2 hours 30 minutes written exam.

You will analyse an unseen extract of Dystopian literature, and then compare the two set novels, focusing on the significance and influence of various contextual factors including technology and industrialisation, eugenicsand feminism.

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COMPONENT 3: COURSEWORK

Literature post-1900 (Students choose 3 texts from a choice of 50, provided by us.)

You will write a 1000 word essay analysing a poem of your choice from a given collection, or write a poem of your own in the style of that poet, plus an analytical commentary. You will also write a 2000 word essay comparing a novel and play of your choice from a given list, with a connecting theme or concern.

80% Exams, 20% Coursework

Information on course specific and pathway specific entry criteria can be found on our website.

English Literature A Level is an excellent qualification from which to progress to a wide variety of HE courses and careers and careers, as it enhances spoken and written communication skills as well as developing other generic skills such as analytical reading and informed evaluation.