English Literature

Vocational qualification

In Thames Ditton

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Vocational qualification

  • Location

    Thames ditton

This course is built on the principle that the exploration of reading processes can be an interesting way to approach literary texts. It focuses on ways of reading rather than studying texts as single entities. It also offers the opportunity to reflect on different critical methods which can be used to explore literature.

Facilities

Location

Start date

Thames Ditton (Surrey)
See map
KT7 0JB

Start date

On request

About this course

Aside from the general entry criteria that the College requires, you will aslo need to achieve at least a Grade C in both GCSE English and GCSE English Literature.

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Course programme

Exam Board:AQA specification B

What is the course about?
This course is built on the principle that the exploration of reading processes can be an interesting way to approach literary texts. It focuses on ways of reading rather than studying texts as single entities. It also offers the opportunity to reflect on different critical methods which can be used to explore literature.
At AS level:
At this level you will study a unit called Aspects of Narrative, where you will be asked to study four texts which will be a combination of both the traditional and the contemporary. Two of these will be novels and the other two short collections of narrative poems. You will focus on how stories are told and the techniques writers use to create interest. Popular choices for this unit are The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and poems by Hardy, Auden and Browning.
You will also study a unit on Tragedy. You will read two plays, one by Shakespeare and one that could be a modern tragedy, another Renaissance tragedy or a classical play. You will be asked to write two essays, one of which may be re-creative, with a commentary attached. Each essay will be 1200 - 1500 words.
At A2 level:
You will extend your independent reading, extend your awareness of critical methods and readings and broaden your understanding of a genre across time. You will study a unit called either Elements of the Gothic or Elements of the Pastoral. You will study three texts, at least one written between 1300 and 1800, and will be encouraged to make generic connections within the literary tradition. In your final unit called 'Further and Independent Reading' you will produce a comparative extended essay on two texts taken from any genre, and you will be asked to apply a critical approach to a short extract or poem.
How is the course assessed?
AS unit 1, examination, 60% of total AS marks. AS unit 2, coursework, 40% of total AS marks.
A2 unit 3, examination, 60% of total A2 marks. A2 unit 4 coursework, 40% of total A2 marks
What skills will I develop in this course?
You will develop the ability to engage with a range of texts from different writers and different times. You will develop the ability to read critically, to make connections between texts, and to write essays and responses that are informed by the reading you have done. You will focus on cultural, literary and linguistic contexts that arise from the study of different genres of writing.
What courses might combine with this subject?
English Literature is a highly valued subject and combines well with a wide range of other subjects. We feel it is unwise to combine it with English Language unless you are taking four full A levels, as it can be seen as limiting your range of academic experience.
What does this subject offer for higher education and future careers?
This subject is considered a challenging one in terms of university entrance. It attracts a lot of applicants for university as it combines the academic, creative and analytical skills which are so valued in many careers. The skills of analysis, interpretation and re-creation, as well as a knowledge of the cultural and literary contexts of novels, poems and plays are transferable to a range of disciplines and careers.
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry criteria that the College requires, you will aslo need to achieve at least a Grade C in both GCSE English and GCSE English Literature.
What extra support / enrichment is on offer?
We have strong links with the Student Support department, which offers specific help when needed, perhaps with technical skills or planning essays or improving reading skills. Our Poetry Competition is a high point in the Autumn calendar, where a working poet reads her/his own work to students, and the winner of the poetry competition is announced. We have recently introduced a competition for writing in journalism, life writing and fiction. Waterstones come to the college twice a year and offer a lively interactive day recommending books and promoting them on site. Our students run their own Reading Club which meets every week. We have run visits to the theatre, the cinema, the British Library, art galleries and various cultural events that are relevant to our students. We run a creative writing course as a complementary study and during wider skills week. We have strong links with universities and other Sixth Form Colleges, and share our innovations and recommendations from our colleagues there.
What is the difference between English Literature and English Language?
They are very different subjects with different skills required. Literature is about reading, analysing and evaluating texts, and putting them in the context of the time in which they were written. English Language is the study of spoken and written language taken from everyday sources and a wide range of contexts. It focuses on how values, attitudes, and purposes are revealed through the mechanics of language and how these can vary according to gender, power, time and technology. It is not related to English Language at GCSE.

English Literature

Price on request