AS Level English Literature (LIT-S)

AS Level English Literature (LIT-S)

Course Description
What will I learn on this course?
AS
Unit 1: Poetry and Prose 1800 - 1945
You will study the work of one poet and read one novel from a selection suggested by the exam board. This part of the course will help you to develop critical and analytical skills and understand the contexts in which texts are written. You will consider the different methods used to convey a message and begin to explore a variety of ways of interpreting the texts.

Unit 2: Post-1900 Literature Coursework
This will be a chance to explore a variety of more modern texts chosen by the college. You will learn to compare texts and explore literary concepts and terminology.

A2
Unit 3: Drama and Poetry Pre-1800
You will study one Shakespeare play from a selection suggested by the exam board. You will also compare the work of one playwright and one poet. In this section you will explore contrasts, connections and comparisons between texts, gaining an understanding of the effects of language, structure and context.

Unit 4: Texts in Time Coursework
This unit is designed to help you further develop research skills and to synthesise the knowledge and understanding you will have gained throughout the course. You will study three texts, chosen by the college, which are connected in some way.

What kind of assessments will I have to complete to get my qualification?
AS
Unit 1: Poetry and Prose 1800 - 1945
There will be a 2 hour examination paper. In the first section you will have to answer one question on the poems you have studied. You will be given a copy of one of the poems and the question will be based on this poem. You will also answer one question on the novel. You will not be allowed to take the texts into the exam with you.

30% of total A Level marks

Unit 2: Post 1900 Literature Coursework
You will be required to submit a coursework folder of a maximum of 3000 words. This will consist of two tasks:

· A close reading of a text with a commentary. There may be an opportunity to do some creative writing in this section (approximately 1000 words).

· A comparative essay on two texts (approximately 2000 words).

20% of total A Level marks

A2
Unit 3: Drama and Poetry pre-1800
There will be a 2 hour examination paper. You will write one essay on the Shakespeare play and one comparative essay on the other playwright and the poet.

30% of total A Level marks

Unit 4: Texts in Time Coursework
You will be required to submit an extended essay of no more than 3000 words comparing three related texts.

20% of total A Level Marks

What kind of student is this course suitable for?
If you enjoy reading books and poetry, seeing plays and films, and discussing them, then you will enjoy this course. It is helpful if you can express yourself well both in speech and writing. You must have an open mind to value others' ideas and develop your own.

What could I do with a qualification in this subject?
An A Level in English Literature is the normal route into an English degree at university. Of course, it is not really a vocational qualification, but the skills you will acquire are useful for many careers.