▪ Home ▪ Learning at Lansdowne ▪ Subjects ▪ A Level Subjects ▪ English Literature

English Literature - A Level

The teaching of English Literature at Lansdowne aims to justify the poet William Blake’s statement that ‘energy is eternal delight’. You will be inspired with the importance of the subject and gain confidence as you acquire skills of criticism, argument and analysis. Small groups and patient individual assistance will allow you to become rigorous, professional critics and expert performers with words in your own right.

Full marks, a rarity in this subject, have been achieved by recent Lansdowne students but, of equal importance, nearly all students leave the course with a life-long love of literature.

AS Units 1 & 2
Explorations in Prose or Poetry - In this unit you will study a themed collection of poems and study the similarities and differences between two novels: Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘The Scarlet Letter’ by Hawthorne. Poems are taught patiently, word by word and line by line until you feel completely confident with them.

Explorations in Drama - Coursework:In this unit you will explore three plays, one by Shakespeare and another by one of his contemporaries. Once the plays have been taught you will have various options for the coursework project. As well as comparing and contrasting the plays, you might, for example, write letters to the editor of The Times Literary Supplement, one praising a recent performance of Shakespeare, the other criticising it. Critical reviews of performances are also analysed.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Interpretation of Prose & Poetry - In this unit you will build on skills acquired at AS Level to explore more recently published texts (post 1990), looking at how the life experiences of the writer and historical context helped influence the form, style and content of the work. Novels and poetry will be chosen from one of four themed sections: Relationships, Identifying Self, Journeys, and War. The novels for Relationships include ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ by de Bernieres, ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ by Hardy, and F Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece ‘The Great Gatsby’. The poetry in the same section includes a collection called ‘Emergency Kit’, the 17th century Metaphysical Poets, and ‘Rapture’ by the modern poet Carol Ann Duffy.

Reflections in Literary Study - Coursework: This synoptic unit allows you to study three texts of your choice in preparation for coursework which will demonstrate that you have synthesised and reflected on the knowledge and understanding gained throughout the course. The texts can include poetry, prose and drama, and the coursework can consist of one extended piece or two shorter pieces.

How will I be assessed?

There is an equal combination of essay-based exams and coursework assignments in both AS and A2 years.

Do I need to have studied English Literature before?

No, but a good grade at GCSE Level is preferred. You will also be expected to enjoy reading and have an interest in literature.

Who will teach me?

With a first class degree in English and an MA in Area Studies, Tim Maher is often described by his students as one of the best teachers they have known. His passion for the subject is passed on to students and supported by detailed knowledge of examination assessment criteria gained through his work as an examiner.

Philip Carr has had experience as Head of Department for over thirty years, including in Saudi Arabia, where he taught English as a Foreign Language. He has a Cambridge degree and an MA. Philip has written teaching materials for the Welsh Joint Board, for whom he also examines. His involvement with language and literature has been fundamental and life-enhancing and he enjoys sharing this enthusiasm with students. Phillip is a published poet.

Which subjects complement English Literature?

English Literature combines well with a range of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and is often a choice of Science students.

Which careers can English Literature lead to?