English Literature
Do you like reading? Do you enjoy discussing the books you have read and the ideas they raise? Do you want to learn more about good writing and explore a range of authors, past and present? This popular course will enable you to do all of these and more.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
For AS you will study:
Texts in Context (30% of A level mark, 60% of AS) - the primary set text for this unit is a collection of poems by the poet John Clare. The unit examination also draws on wider reading within a specified area which for us will be the Victorians.
Creative Study (20% of A level mark, 40% of AS) - for this unit students are required to produce a coursework portfolio. This portfolio will include one essay on a novel and one on a play. The novel is Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy or North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and the play is A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde.
For A2 you will study:
Reading for Meaning (30% of A level mark) - this unit has the theme Love through the Ages as its focus. Students will undertake a course of reading and study which spans the centuries and explores the theme as it is expressed through all genres and by both genders. The examination paper will consist of unprepared texts, thematically grouped.
Extended Essay and Shakespeare Study (20% of A level mark) - this unit is also assessed through coursework. Students study three texts with a shared theme. One text will be a Shakespeare play; the other two texts will be wider reading texts of any genre. This will lead to an extended comparative essay on the three texts. The texts for this unit are Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale and Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
You will learn about different approaches to a text, about how to get more out of your reading and about how to write about texts in the depth appropriate to Advanced level. The lessons will provide opportunities for discussion and other kinds of active participation. As part of your private study in English, you will also undertake some research into the social, historical and cultural background of some of the texts you study. Outside the lessons there are English-related activities available. You can get extra help with essay writing and study skills and there are trips to study conferences, to the theatre and, occasionally, to the cinema.
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
Through a combination of examinations and coursework.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in both English Language and English Literature. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have a grade B in both English Language and English Literature. Apart from GCSEs, the important qualifications are a genuine interest in literature and a willingness to be actively involved in the course.
You will learn about different approaches to a text, about how to get more out of your reading and about how to write about texts in the depth appropriate to Advanced level. The lessons will provide opportunities for discussion and other kinds of active participation. As part of your private study in English, you will also undertake some research into the social, historical and cultural background of some of the texts you study. Outside the lessons there are English-related activities available. You can get extra help with essay writing and study skills and there are trips to study conferences, to the theatre and, occasionally, to the cinema.
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
Through a combination of examinations and coursework.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade C in both English Language and English Literature. Experience shows that your chances of success in this subject are greater if you have a grade B in both English Language and English Literature. Apart from GCSEs, the important qualifications are a genuine interest in literature and a willingness to be actively involved in the course.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH ENGLISH LITERATURE?
English Literature is a useful subject to add breadth to any Advanced level programme and can be combined with any other subject except English Language and Literature.
English Literature is a useful subject to add breadth to any Advanced level programme and can be combined with any other subject except English Language and Literature.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
English Literature has long been highly regarded by employers. It helps to develop the skills of communication in writing and speaking, to promote critical, analytical and creative thinking, to encourage both independence and co-operation with others, and to raise awareness of social, moral and cultural issues. As such it gives access to a wide range of career opportunities. For the same reasons, universities and other centres of Higher Education welcome it as an entrance qualification for the majority of courses.
View the English Literature page on the AQA Website.
English Literature has long been highly regarded by employers. It helps to develop the skills of communication in writing and speaking, to promote critical, analytical and creative thinking, to encourage both independence and co-operation with others, and to raise awareness of social, moral and cultural issues. As such it gives access to a wide range of career opportunities. For the same reasons, universities and other centres of Higher Education welcome it as an entrance qualification for the majority of courses.
View the English Literature page on the AQA Website.
