A-Levels: English Language with Literature

Why study English Language with Literature?
English Language with Literature is a relatively new and innovative combination of two familiar subjects. Although the emphasis is firmly on the study of language as a Science, the subject also encourages students to examine literature in a new and exciting way. How do some people exert power over others when they are speaking? How has language changed? How do you turn something from one genre into another and write for different audiences? English Language with Literature can provide answers to all of these questions and more.

What do I study?

Year 1 (AS)
Unit 1: Introduction to Language and Literature Study
This module will involve the close study of an Anthology or collection of different types of writing, both literary and nonliterary. This is assessed by a 1-½ hour examination.
Unit 2: Genres in Language and Literature
This is a coursework unit and is assessed by a two-part written assignment. The first will focus on your ability to structure a comprehensive and informed discussion using selected extracts from a pair of texts which you have studied. The second part will focus on your ability to write creatively and demonstrate skills in a way which also shows understanding of the texts as a whole.
Year 2 (A2)
Unit 3: Talk in Life and Literature
This module requires you to study a prescribed drama text and transcripts of real speech. This is assessed by a two and a half hour examination.
Unit 4: Text Transformation
This is a coursework unit. You are required to apply the knowledge, understanding and insights gained from literary and linguistic study to transform an original work into a different genre.

Where does English Language with Literature take me?
English Language with Literature is recognised as an important area of academic study and combines well with a whole range of other subjects for entry into Higher Education. The career opportunities are vast and include working in the Media, Advertising, Teaching and most areas of Administration or Management.

What do I need?

As with all English A-level subjects, students require the minimum of a C grade at GCSE English Language. You should also be enthusiastic, analytical and have the ability to write in a variety of ways. Knowledge of English grammar is important but you are not expected to be an expert, just willing to learn!