The majority of works studied will be texts originally written in English, but works in translation may also be included. The works studied must be of sufficient substance and quality to merit serious consideration.
Study of texts must include consideration of relevant aspects of social, cultural and historical contexts, and literary tradition. Questions in the written paper and assignments in coursework will draw on such knowledge where appropriate.
Prose and Drama
- In the genres of prose and drama, study of a prescribed text is required for the terminal examination; at least one further text in each of these genres will be studied and assessed in coursework.
- Texts must be chosen to ensure that each candidate is assessed (in either coursework or terminal examination) on their study of a work in each genre published before 1914 and a work in each genre publishedafter 1914.
- Texts will be studied in their own right but may be chosen to allowopportunities for links and comparisons to be made in terms of genre,theme, author or cultural background.
- The prose text may be literary non-fiction, provided the pre-/post 1914balance is maintained.
Prescribed Prose Texts up to 2008
- Roddy Doyle - Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
- George Eliot - Silas Marner
- Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
- John Steinbeck - Of Mice and Men
- Robert Swindells - Stone Cold
- Meera Syal - Anita and Me
- Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
- Maya Angelou - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Prescribed Drama Texts up to 2008
- Harold Brighouse - Hobson’s Choice
- Arthur Miller - A View from the Bridge