A Level English Literature

 

To study this course you should desire to become and independent and critical reader of a wide range of texts across a variety of genres. You will enjoy A Level English Literature if you like to observe, analyse, debate and articulate independent interpretations. The skills that you learn in A Level English Literature will help you develop a confidence to discuss and reflect upon current affairs and moral dilemmas. The experiences outlined in the texts you study will help you think about the experience of living and operating in modern society.

 

 

AS Units

 

Unit 1 – Aspects of Narrative

At AS, Unit 1 will introduce students to the central position of narrative and the ways in which literary texts work. Study of this module requires students to develop their powers of critical exploration as they seek to gain an understanding of the ways in which an author has conveyed their ideas and experiences. Four texts will be studied – two prose / two poetry.

 

 

 

Unit 2 – Dramatic Genres

This forms the coursework requirement in Year 12 in that students are asked to produce two essays which both explore an aspect of the dramatic / tragic genre. Two dramatic works will be studied - one of these texts will be written by Shakespeare.

 

 

A2 Units

 

Unit 3 – Texts and Genres

This unit requires the study of a “community” of texts grouped together by genre. Texts will be grouped within the categories: Elements of the Gothic or Elements of the Pastoral. Students will study a minimum of three texts and at least one of these texts will be taken from the time period 1300-1800.

 

 

 

 

Unit 4 -  Further and Independent Reading

In this unit, students will study a wide range of texts, the different ways of reading texts and critical ideas applied with discrimination to literary texts. Students will study at least three texts, one of which will be a pre-released anthology of critical writing which students will then apply to a literary text of their choice.

 

 

 

Assessment details

 

Unit 1

2hr Exam

60%

Unit 2

Coursework

Two pieces

40%

Assessment details

 

Unit 3

2hr Exam

60%

Unit 4

Coursework

Two pieces

40%

 

Progression

Whatever you choose to do at University and beyond, you may be glad that you chose a subject which trains you to think both logically and imaginatively, in an age in which you may change career several times. All jobs requiring analytical or communication skills – which is nearly all jobs in the 21st century – benefit from an understanding of language and competence in expression. The skills you will acquire are transferable and will change the way you read and think equipping you with skills needed in all future positions of responsibility.

Exam board

AQA Specification B