AS/A Level English Literature

AS/A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE

WHAT IS ENGLISH LITERATURE?
English Literature is the study of poetry, prose and drama texts written by writers from the past and present.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY ENGLISH LITERATURE?
If you enjoy reading you will find English Literature a stimulating subject. It will put you in touch with minds from very different times and places and it involves studying the writing and ideas of some of the most creative and original users of the language.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
You must be a keen reader and you must enjoy the challenge of grappling with texts, which are not immediately accessible. The subject combines well with an interest in creative writing and the study of English Language, History or Media Studies.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
You will usually have two teachers, and the emphasis in class will be on discussion and active explorations of texts. We will also help you develop the study skills you need to become an effective, independent student of literature.

In the first year of the course you will study the following two units:

Unit 1 Texts in Context
Poetry and wider reading based on a thematic area chosen by your teacher from the following:

• World War One Literature
• Victorian Literature
• The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature

Unit 2 Creative Study
If you successfully complete the AS course you will have the option to progress to the second year of the course where you will focus on the following two units;

Unit 3 Reading for Meaning
This unit involves a programme of wider reading based on the theme Love Through The Ages

Unit 4 Extended Essay and Shakespeare Study
Theatre visits, visiting speakers and specialist conferences will enhance and support your studies.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
In the AS course, Unit 1 will be examined by a two hour written paper where you will have access to the set texts. Unit 2 comprises of two coursework tasks based on one prose text and one drama text. In the second year, Unit 3 is assessed by a written paper lasting two hours and 30 minutes and Unit 4 is a coursework task based on three texts with a shared theme.

COURSE COMMITMENT
You will be expected to read around the subject and study intensively in your own time. You can expect around 4 hours of homework per week. Throughout the course we will urge you to read texts, which are not on the specification. We give you reading lists and ask you to keep a Reading Diary.

COURSE COSTS
The course costs are mainly for set texts, which should be no more than 25 per year. Often books can be bought from students in the year above you. There will be one-off costs for trips, e.g. to the theatre, if you wish to attend them.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
In A level qualification in English Literature can lead to a degree in English and from there to a wide variety of careers such as teaching or journalism. Whatever your choice of career, it will usually require further vocational training.