AS and A Level: English Literature: Drama Coursework

Drama Defined

In this case, 'Drama' refers to written texts intended for dramatic performance. This part of the A Level English Literature course may be split into study of works produced pre-1770 and post-1770.

Why Study Drama?

Drama is one of the three areas studied in English Literature A Level. This is because dramatic texts represent some of the most significant pieces of written works in history. The structure and writing style is so distinct from prose or poetry, and a broad appreciation of English Literature requires study of Drama.

What Will I Study in Drama?

You will, of course, study Shakespeare! You'll critically analyse works such as Henry IV Part 1, Twelfth Night, Othello and King Lear. You may also read and evaluate works such as Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, John Webster's The White Devil, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan's School for Scandal.

Further Study After Drama

In A Level English Literature you'll also spend time studying Prose and Poetry in order to give you a rounded view of written English works. If you continue to study English Literature, Drama, Theatre Studies, Classics or Linguistics at Degree level, the knowledge and skills you've gained here will be of great benefit to your studies.

Where Can I Find Out More?

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)

http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_4081.aspx

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Data/publications/key_documents/GCE_English_Lit_Spec.pdf