English Literature

Literature, rooted in life and centuries of human experience, is a mode of creative expression that engages the reader in the aesthetic domain. The literary tradition, an invaluable and ever-growing resource, gives access to the very best in human thought and culture. The study of literature thus enables the reader to critically examine human experience that leads to greater self-awareness. It provokes thinking about our beliefs and values and invites a personal engagement with ideas in the aesthetic domain. An appreciation of Literature will enhance one’s sensitivity to the power of words and thus, the importance of using them critically and creatively to serve society, making the world a more humane and beautiful place.

Learning Outcomes

Appreciate the reading and significance of literature across literary periods and genres, and its contribution to aesthetic and imaginative growth
Explore areas of significant, enduring and contemporary human concern, thus developing the sensitivity compassion and empathy for others and a greater understanding of the self
Engage with various types of literary texts so as to critically appreciate writer’s craft and intent
Become owners of and participants in literary opinions
Contribute creative literary works reflecting literary knowledge and their insights of life

Programmes


Year 1 – Introduction to Literature as a Discipline	Year 2 – Introduction to Shakespearean Drama and Poetry	Year 3 – The Development of English Literature Through the Ages	Year 4 – The Study of Literature as a Powerful Voice Speaking from and for its Time
Close-Reading Skills and Introduction to Literary Analysis	Shakespeare and Drama, Analysis and Performance	Modern Dramatic Form as Social Commentary	The Art of the Short Story
Making Connections Between Text and Self, and Text and World	Singapore Literature – Poetry, Plays and Short Stories	Comparative Poetry	The Art of the Novel
Introduction to Poetry	Close-Reading Skills and Literary Analysis	Critical Analysis and Sound Interpretation of Literary Works	Critical Analysis and Sound Interpretation of Literary Works
Introduction to the Novella	Creative-Writing	Intertextuality	Critical Approaches to Studying Literature

Our Literature students attended a play written by Amanda Chong (Class of 2005) and performed by Sindhura Kalidas (Class of 2005). The play delved into the diverse pressures and demands placed on women in their personal and working lives. Another group also attended a Pangdemonium production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and had a thought-provoking and insightful dialogue with the director of the play, Timothy Koh.