In English Literature, you use deduction and inference skills to discuss poetry, prose and drama texts from a wide range of historical periods. Moreover, you use these skills to analyse form, language and structure and evaluate the effects that writers create.

Why Study English Literature

Through the study of our rich English literary heritage, you will develop an increased understanding of the human condition, how the British Isles has changed and progressed since the days of Shakespeare and how authors interpret the world around them. Exposure to a range of texts dating from the 16th Century to the modern day allows depth and breadth of study, encouraging links and connections to be made between texts and writers.

Course Content

You will read widely across a range of high-quality texts in the genres of prose, poetry and drama to develop an understanding of how literature is both rich and influential. You will make connections across your reading and develop a clear understanding of texts you will study.

The course emphasises your ability to offer personal responses to texts, select appropriate textual details to support your ideas and analyse critically.

Subject Units and Assessment Outline

Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry (exam, 40%)

• Analysis of Romeo and Juliet
• Analysis of poetry from 1789 to the present

Component 2: Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose and Unseen Poetry (exam, 60%)

• Analysis of An Inspector Calls
• Analysis of A Christmas Carol
• Analysis of unseen poetry

You can find more information about English at Wath Academy here.