Reasons to study this course
- To have the opportunity to discuss your own views and ideas on literature as well as listen to others.
- To further develop your knowledge and interest of literary texts.
- To improve your understanding of literary contexts.
- To develop a wide variety of skills that are highly regarded by both employers and universities.
What you will need to study this course
- minimum GCSE grade 5 in both GCSE English Language and English Literature
- willingness to read new and challenging texts, to learn new terminology and analyse writers’ techniques
- ability to carry out independent research
- ability to write essays expressing your ideas clearly and logically
- willingness to develop your oral communication skills
What you will study
Novels, poetry and drama from the 15th to the 21st century such as ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘Measure for Measure’ and a poetry anthology looking at ‘Love through the Ages’. Literary traditions and movements such as Jacobean Drama or Literary Modernism and the impact of contexts on the way texts are written and received.
How you will be assessed
Year 1 (AS) – exam
Year 2 (A-Level) – 20% coursework, 80% exam
Priestley Extra
Theatre performances, museum visits, conferences and residential visits. You can also join the Creative Writing group and college magazine.
Progression
A range of university courses. Careers that require good communication skills, such as publishing, public relations, marketing, journalism, media, management, the legal profession, teaching and many others.
Recommended Reading
The Collector by John Fowles
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
