Course Detail

The Course

English Literature is for you if you enjoy reading a variety of books, being involved in exploring and analysing texts and if you are prepared to question and debate ideas about literature, society and culture. It is a subject which will sharpen your analytical skills and one which is highly valued by universities and employers for the transferable skills it encourages and develops. It is also a vital course for you if you wish to teach English at high school level or above.

A1 will include 2 Components:

• Component 1 will be a closed book exam of 2 hours on two prose texts from different periods.
• Component 2 will be an open book exam 2 hours. It will include poetry and drama analysis.

A2 will include 4 Components:

• Component 1 will be an open book exam 2 hours and worth 30% of the overall A Level. It will include questions on pre-1900 poetry and post 1900 poetry.
• Component 2 will be a closed book exam 2 hours and worth 30% of the overall A Level. It will include two questions on Shakespeare, an essay and an extract and an essay question comparing a modern and a classical play.
• Component 3 will be analysis of unseen prose and poetry and is worth 20% of the overall A Level.
• Component 4 will be a coursework assignment worth 20% of the overall A Level. It will be on two prose texts, one pre and one post 2000.

Why study English Literature?
English Literature is for you if you enjoy reading a variety of books, being involved in exploring and analysing texts and if you are prepared to question and debate ideas about literature, society and culture. It is a subject which will sharpen your analytical skills and one which is highly valued by universities and employers for the transferable skills it encourages and develops. It is also a vital course for you if you wish to teach English at high school level or above. You will be taught by an enthusiastic and experienced team which includes current A-Level examiners and moderators and you will experience a variety of teaching methods including pair and group work, student presentations and independent research. You will be tutored in examination techniques, given timed exam practice and one-to-one sessions to help you with coursework assignments. You will also have access to a wide range of learning resources.