English Literature

This course is built on the central organising principle: that the exploration of reading processes can be an interesting and enriching way to approach literary texts. Within this central idea, Literature is seen as consisting of possible groups of texts which can be categorised, and whose meaning can be negotiated in many different ways. At AS the focus is on comparing the ways in which stories are told and realities constructed. At A2 two main areas are covered: how texts produce cultural meanings and how applying different critical approaches to texts yields different and potentially challenging interpretations.

 

What will I study?

 

This course is built on the central organising principle: that the exploration of reading processes can be an interesting and enriching way to approach literary texts. Within this central idea, Literature is seen as consisting of possible groups of texts which can be categorised, and whose meaning can be negotiated in many different ways.

 

At AS the focus is on comparing the ways in which stories are told and realities constructed. At A2 two main areas are covered: how texts produce cultural meanings and how applying different critical approaches to texts yields different and potentially challenging interpretations.

 

AS LEVEL

At AS, Unit 1 introduces candidates to the central position of narrative in the ways in which literary texts work, involving many different aspects of literary representation. Unit 2 introduces candidates to aspects of genre. Currently comedy is the dramatic genre to be studied:

 

• Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative

• Unit 2: Dramatic Genres.

 

A2 LEVEL

At A2, Unit 3 teaches candidates to develop ideas on the significance of genre. Texts are grouped within the categories: Elements of the Gothic or Elements of the Pastoral. In Unit 4, candidates study a wide range of texts, the different ways of reading texts and critical ideas applied with discrimination to literary texts:

 

•  Unit 3: Texts and Genres

• Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

LITB1 - by examination (2 hours – open book)

LITB2 – by coursework (two assignments – one essay based/one creative writing piece)

LITB3 – by examination (2 hours closed book)

LITB4 – by coursework (two assignments; one comparative study of 2 texts and one application of an aspect of pre-released Anthology to a literary text).

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 – Grade B from English Language and Grade B from English Literature

Route 2 – Grade B from English Language and Grade B from English Literature

Route 3 – Not available

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

Those who study English Literature at A Level have the possibility of embarking upon careers in the following areas: journalism, media, law and teaching. Good communication skills are essential in most workplaces and English is a way to hone these skills.