English literature

In a consumer-obsessed world, English literature has never been more relevant. Why do we binge-watch Netflix? What compels us to watch the same films over and over, despite us knowing how they end and when exactly is the right time to turn away? What keeps people tuning into Coronation Street 60 years after it first aired on television? As human beings, we are naturally curious and therefore obsessed with stories. Studying English literature, it is easy to find out why…

Throughout your studies, you will encounter a wide variety of tales that will keep you thinking for years to come. You will learn how to critically analyse a piece of work and develop mature and convincing debating techniques that will stay with you for a lifetime. Your communication will also be vastly improved, giving you useful skills to use in all walks of life.

If you are someone who enjoys getting your teeth stuck into great stories; engaging in exciting and dynamic discussions; and sharing your opinion with others or even being quietly introspectively reflective, this is the course for you.

Studying English Literature has allowed me to explore my creativity and visionary skills, whilst also expanding my analysis and interpretation ability through investigating a range of texts I love, all the while providing me with essential skills in establishing my own opinions regarding the world around me.

I enjoy studying English Literature as it is open to my own interpretation and like picking apart the texts to find hidden/ deeper meanings. I also enjoy researching about how texts have been produced as a product of their time and how they link to the events, ongoings or developments of the period.

Qualification	A level English literature
Awarding body	AQA
Course content	Paper 1: Love through the ages The aim of this unit is to encourage students to explore aspects of the central literary theme, love, as seen over time. For this component, students will study Othello by William Shakespeare, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and AQA’s fantastic Anthology of love poetry through the ages. Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts The aim of this unit is to encourage students to explore aspects of literature connected through a period of time: WW1 and its aftermath. This explores literature arising out of WW1, but extends this period to allow reflection on the full impact of the war that reverberates up to the present day. It considers the impact on combatants, non-combatants and subsequent generations as well as its social, political, personal and literary legacies. For this component, students will study Journey’s End by R. C. Sherriff, Life Class by Pat Barker and The War Poetry of Wilfred Owen.
Assessment	Two examinations plus the completion of a non-examined assessment.

Why study English literature?

English literature is a versatile and well-established qualification which can lead to a variety of careers and degree courses. It is regarded as a facilitating subject for those wishing to apply for top universities. It is suitable for anyone who is considering a career working with the public, such as journalism, law, teaching, banking and social work.

I enjoy studying English Literature as it allows me to get involved in interesting debates about a variety of topics; I also enjoy looking at background contextual information to work out why writers may produce the Literature they do. It allows me to look at history in an interesting way.