English Literature
General course information
Students studying A level English literature learn how to read and write in a sophisticated and intelligent way through reading a wide variety of literature from different periods. You will learn how to understand the historical and cultural contexts in which works are written, whilst also developing your ability to compare and contrast ideas, language and literary techniques.
Course Content
Unit
Content
Assessment
AS
Unit 1
Prose and Drama – Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge, and Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire
2 hour exam
AS
Unit 2
Poetry post-1900 – Philip Larkin, The Whitsun Weddings, Carol Ann Duffy, Mean Time
2 hour exam
A2 / A Level
Unit 3
Poetry pre-1900 and unseen poetry – Christina Rossetti, Selected Poems
2 hour exam
A2 / A Level
Unit 4
Shakespeare, King Lear
2 hour exam
A2 / A Level
Unit 5
Coursework – prose study comparing pre-20th and post-20th century novels – Mary Shelley, Frankenstein and Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island
3,500 word essay
Career Prospects
Many students studying English literature at ‘A’ level in Bro Dinefwr have gone on to study English at Oxford and Cambridge universities, whilst many others have gone on to study English at other top British universities such as King’s College London, St Andrew’s and Bristol.
Most successful professional careers need the ability to communicate ideas clearly and intelligently. You may choose a career that requires you to show independent thought or to make decisions based on careful research. Studying English literature teaches you how to make sense of complex language, whilst developing your skills of written expression. In whatever career you choose these skills will be invaluable.
Ideal Entry requirements
Standards and expectations are very high in the department, and you will need to have good grades in English and English Literature at GCSE. You should enjoy reading and writing, and be prepared to read a range of demanding works from the last four centuries, from Shakespeare to modern poetry and novels, as well as critical and contextual studies relating to the books you study.
Examinations Body
Subject Leader
Mr N Rowlands