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The A-level English Literature course offers the opportunity to read, discuss and analyse a diverse range of English and American texts, which explore themes such as love and death, truth and deception, gender and relationships, disillusionment and despair. You will gain clear, critical insights into these works, polish your analytical and essay- writing skills and develop your grasp of literary techniques and terminology, enhancing your ability to evaluate both set texts and ‘unseen’ prose and poetry. If you really
enjoy reading literature and then exploring the moral, philosophical and emotional issues which arise, this is the
course for you.
What will I study in English Literature A-level?
You will study
- A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
- The poetry of Christina Rossetti
- Othello by William Shakespeare
- The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
- Passing by Nella Larsen
- Wider reading of American Literature 1880-1940
- A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
- The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- Articles and podcasts on contexts and literary criticism
Entry Requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, all from the core subjects, including grade 5s in GCSE English Language and Literature. Even with grade 5s, our experience is that students find the sheer volume of reading to be a real challenge, so think carefully before taking this course: you need to have strong skills in reading extensively and critically to really benefit from A Level English Literature.
How will I learn?
Above all, you will learn to read as an individual and as a literary critic and this will help you to establish and develop a strong personal argument which also evaluates the views and experiences of others and in the contexts of reception and production. You will read widely and independently in American Literature and be able to assess the typicality of an unseen American text. The ability to articulate your own view confidently, clearly and extensively (at least four sides of writing in an hour) is an important skill, valued at university and in the workplace. You will also develop your ability to evaluate directorial and stage management choices and how they shape meaning by viewing a range of performances critically. The ability to assess and anticipate the optics of communication - how will an issue will appear to a customer - is valued by employers.
How will I be assessed?
The course is 80% exam and 20% coursework:
There are two exams of 2.5 hours
- Shakespeare, Drama & Poetry pre-1900
- Comparative contextual studies: American Literature
Your coursework portfolio will comprise
- A close analysis of a single text/collection of poems in response to a question of your own choice
- An extended essay (invaluable practice for university dissertions and project management)
Any trips?
In recent years, we have run trips to see
- Hamlet, RSC Stratford
- The Duchess of Malfi, Almeida Theatre
- The Taminng of the Shrew, the Globe Theatre
Our next planned trip is to see Othello at the cinema.
We have also attended study days with academics in Bristol, and stream live and recorded productions and lectures into the classroom.
We also attend The Great Create and The Great Debates days at the University of Gloucestershire to explore creative industries and hone our critical thinking skills.
Are there any costs involved?
Students purchase their own texts at a reduced cost via the College.
They will also need to pay for theatre tickets and contribute towards coach fares.
Device Requirements
COURSE_DEVICE
If you already own a device that meets the technical requirements of your course, you are welcome to bring it with you to college.
If not, more information on a convenient rental and help-to-buy scheme designed specifically for Cirencester College students is linked below.
FAQs
Can I take this alongside any other English course?
You cannot choose English Language and Literature (the combined course) in conjunction with another.English A Level.
However, whilst it's better to choose a range of A Levels, you can study A Level English Literature and A Level English Language (plus a third A Level). Rescent students who have done this have gone on to study at Russell Group universities, for instance studying English Language (Linguistics) at Cardiff and the other securing a place at Birmingham to study Literature.
I love English, but there's no obvious career path.
No, because English is ever present and crucial to life in a literate society. Career paths aren't always obvious, but the knowledge and skills cultivated in English will always be relevant. Whether our students go on to do English degrees or not, we are proud that the intellectual training and transferable skills which English offers are is respected by all universities and employers. Put simply, English Literature is a valuable qualification: AI may take over some career paths, but the humanity and criticality developed through English cannot be replaced.
Do we read all of the texts in class, as at GCSE?
We will train you in how to read closely at A Level, and will certainly read key scenes with you in class. However, you will be expected to read between lessons and re-read the texts at least twice as independent study. You will be expected to read widely to enhance your understanding of the course, and listen to podcasts and lectures outside of lessons. We will guide you on how to structure this flipped learning, but it is an expectation of the course and a step up from GCSE.
Why do you read a Norwegian play, when the subject is ENGLISH Literature?
A Doll's House has been translated and performed so many times in English that it has become an important part of our dramatic literature and has influenced English playwrights. Culture is an international phenomenon: just as ideas about literature and life have been exported, English-speaking writers borrow internationally too. Christina Rossetti is an established poet of the English literary canon, yet she borrows from her Italian heritage in her poetic techniques. English is the study of English speakers' experiences all over the world, so our course reflects that incredible breadth.
I only have 4.5 hours of English per week - there's plenty of time for a part time job.
If you're aiming for C grade or higher, it's essential that you also commit to at least 4.5 hours of independent study (often 'Flipped Learning') outside the classroom. There's room for paid work, but only if you have the time and energy to keep A Levels as your priority.
Awarding Body
OCR
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
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What the students say
”I like being able to talk about my favourite hobby (reading) with those around me and being able to compare and analyse different books. Also I have learnt how to present in front of my class more comfortably as well as being able to read in front of everyone. I have also been able to put my hand up and get involved in class a lot more.
Samantha
