AS/A2 English Literature

AS/A2 English Literature
AS/A2 This course is suitable for you if you enjoy reading in your own time and if you are interested in analysing novels, plays and poetry at GCSE and find it satisfying. Learning methods vary and include answering questions, writing essays, exploring the meaning created in texts such as DVDs, creating displays, individual research, and extra-curricular activities, such as discussing texts in performance. You will work in pairs and in small groups, in addition to taking part in larger group discussions. As well as learning in the classroom, you will be expected to carry out a substantial amount of reading and writing tasks in your own time.

AS Course Content
The AS course comprises two modules:
1. Poetry and Drama
You will study three texts of different types, and these include modern poetry and drama texts. You will learn to make links between the texts and comment on the uses and effects of language, form and structure. The areas for study will include themes, character, motifs, setting, textual structures, narrative methods, attitudes and values and contextual background.
Assessment: 2½ hour written examination%
2. Prose Study and Creative Reading
You will read a range of prose texts such as novels, short stories, travel writing and autobiography. The writing that you do will include an essay and some creative writing with a commentary.
Assessment: coursework. Total folder length of 3,000 words.

A2 Course Content
The A2 course comprises a further two modules:
3. Period and Genre Study
You will study three texts on one topic. Examples of possible topics are Gothic or post-colonial literature.
Assessment: coursework. You will be expected to produce an essay in which you examine the different ways in which the writers explore the topic. Total folder length of 3,000 words.%
4. Poetry and Drama
This includes the study of a Shakespeare play and two other pre-1800 drama and poetry texts. You will consider the ways in which particular themes or issues are explored and be expected to demonstrate a clear and informed understanding of the ways in which structure, form and language shape the meaning of the texts. You will explore their contextual background and the different ways in which the texts may be interpreted.
Assessment: 2½ hour written examination.

Is English Literature for you?
You will enjoy and benefit from English Literature if you:

• are an avid reader who enjoys studying a wide variety of texts from different eras;
• would like to analyse texts in details and enjoy debating and expressing your own views and personal responses;
• are keen to carry out independent research and enjoy writing.

English Literature and your future
The study of English Literature at this level can lead to a range of further studies and careers, such as journalism, publishing, media, teaching and creative writing. If you want to study English at degree level, we recommend you study A level English Literature. English Literature works well with Drama, History, Media, Classical Civilisation and Film A levels.

Visits & Visitors
There is a variety of extra-curricular activities, including theatre trips, conferences, poetry readings and visits to museums.