While studying English Literature you will study the three main genres: poetry, prose and drama. You will study writers who span the centuries - from medieval times to the contemporary era. You will read critics and theorists so as to be able bring other critical readings and different theoretical approaches to bear on the set texts. Studying English Literature involves being aware of historical and contextual factors such as attitudes to class, gender, race and sexuality. It also makes you aware of what can be achieved through stylistic features, techniques and devices. During your studies you will learn how writers create particular effects through language which shape and influence a reader's responses. You will come to appreciate the difference between literary language and other types of language use.

What is Eng Lit @ DLD?

The ability to think independently and critically is the hallmark of a good English student. In the English department we emphasise the need for students to be able to weigh up a variety of interpretations and come to a reasoned and balanced response. Our teaching of individual texts is informed by different critical approaches: Marxist/historicist, feminist, stylistic/linguistic and post-colonial. Whatever the approach, the aim is always the same: to make students aware of how their own critical response to a text has been informed by a whole set of cultural and social assumptions and practices. It isn't just a question of coming out with an excellent A level grade at the end of two years; we aim to help students acquire skills in thinking, speaking, writing, reading and listening that will be of benefit to them for the rest of their lives.

How is it assessed?

What do I need?

You will need to have gained a pass in GCSE English Language and English Literature. We expect you to have enjoyed studying poetry, plays and novels at GCSE and to be someone who reads on their own. Find out if English Literature is right for you by answering yes to the following questions - do you like:

• independent literary study?
• reading around a topic?
• developing an argument in order to support a particular point of view?
• exploring comparisons between texts?
• undertaking independent research?

Good subject combinations

English Literature touches upon many other subjects and disciplines. It complements particularly the following subjects:

• Media Studies
• Film Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Drama
• Classical Civilisation
• History

After DLD

You can apply to do a degree in a wide range of subjects such as English, Journalism, Media and Communication Studies or Law.

By studying English Literature, you will gain expertise in analysing, interpreting and evaluating a variety of different literary texts from different periods. During the course your writing and analytical skills will develop, giving you the ability to shape a coherent critical argument which is well substantiated. English Literature is a highly regarded A Level, one which university admissions tutors and employers look upon very favourably. Many English graduates work in broadcasting, journalism, publishing, PR and advertising. You might love English so much that you might actually want to teach it.

Questions

Can I do the course in one year? YES
Is Easter Revision available? YES
Can I transfer from one examination board to another? YES