AS and A Level: English Literature: Poetry Coursework

Definition of Poetry

'Poetry' is actually quite difficult to define (try it yourself!). But in this context it's the study of poetic works of fiction. It's studied alongside Prose and Drama as the three core elements of the English Literature AS Level and A Level.

Why Study Poetry?

For anyone interested in English Literature, Poetry is hugely important to study because it represents some of the best-loved and most-emotive works of writing. Anyone wishing to develop a deep understanding of English Literature should study some of its most renowned poetic works.

Poetry: What Will I Study?

As with the Drama unit of this A Level, you will naturally study Shakespeare (in this case, his sonnets). Poetry may well be split into pre- and post-1770 (or 1800). You'll write essays and coursework critically analysing poetic works from the 1800-1945 period, including their verse form, structure and language. You'll also compare with each other the works of different poets.

Further Study After Poetry

You'll also study Prose and Drama in A Level English Literature so that you develop a broad appreciation of English texts. This will be beneficial to continued studies at Degree level in many subjects including Drama, English Literature, Theatre Studies, Classics and Linguistics.

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