English Literature

Overview 
English Literature is a rewarding challenge and is ideal if you love reading, find close analysis thought-provoking and want to explore the impact of context on writers’ choices. Over the two years of the course, you will study texts dating from at least as far back as the early seventeenth century to the present, and covering poetry, drama (including Shakespeare) and prose. To complement this, you may also complete a creative writing piece; English Literature is a subject that stimulates both the intellect and the imagination!!

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Examination – This unit gives you the opportunity to engage in the in-depth study of literary texts (including poetry) in preparation for an exam. You will spend time extending your knowledge of literary terminology, refining your close analysis skills, considering other readers’ interpretations and developing your ability to analyse the contexts in which texts are written and received.
Unit 2: Coursework: Prose Study & Creative Reading – This unit draws on your interest in and passion for reading as you will produce a coursework folder of approximately 3,000 words, containing two pieces of work. The first piece involves an essay comparing and contrasting two texts; for example, in the past some students have studied H. G. Wells’ The Time Machine alongside Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife, while others have studied E. M. Forster’s A Room with a View alongside Ian McEwan’s On Chesil Beach. The second piece is based on your own independent wider reading. Having read at least one novel, you will then have the opportunity to identify one aspect that really inspires you before going on to produce a piece of creative writing with commentary analysing your own work. The ability to critique your own work is an essential part of the course.

A2 Level
Unit 3: Coursework: Genre and Period Study – This unit assesses your ability to write an essay of approximately 3,000 words based on three texts of different genres and periods. For example you might study McEwan’s Enduring Love, alongside The New Penguin Book of Love Poetry and a novel such as Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights or Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre or Zoe Heller’s Notes on a Scandal. You will be expected to demonstrate your close analysis skills, to compare and contrast the texts and to research the relevant contexts. An example of the kind of question which you will respond to is: ‘I like not only to be loved, but to be told that I am loved; the realm of silence is large enough beyond the grave.’ Using this opinion as a starting point, explore the ways the writers you have studied present the theme of communication. You should consider contextual influences and ensure that you compare and contrast texts.
Unit 4: Examination: Shakespeare & Poetry – As the final unit of the A2 course, this most resembles the work undergraduates do at university; it will enable you to engage in the detailed study of two drama texts - one a play by Shakespeare and one a play by another dramatist (for example, students currently study John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi) - and a pre-1800 poetry text (for example, students currently study William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience). The examination will test your ability to consider other readers’ interpretations, to explore connections and comparisons and to undertake close analysis.

Assessment
Coursework (40%)
Examination (60%)
Examining Board – TBC.

Special Entry Requirements
A grade C or above in English must be in GCSE English Language & Literature and at Higher Tier.

Prohibited Options
Students are not normally permitted to take more than one English AS course. However, if you are intending to study English at university and have A or A* in both English and English Literature at GCSE and a high GCSE average score (i.e. 6.5), you may be permitted to take both English Language and English Literature at AS Level.

Career and Progression Opportunities
English Literature is one of the most popular courses at university and success in this subject will also allow you to access all sorts of degrees and career pathways. Those students considering going on to study English in Higher Education will find that Literature is often required for the most competitive courses. This course is suitable for students who want to do either modern or traditional English courses at University.

Other Information
We work together in groups and explore texts through discussion sessions, so it is important that you feel confident enough to express your opinions about the texts you are studying. You will be expected to read widely, independently and critically, to work with others on research and presentation projects, to manage your time effectively and prepare texts for the lessons. We offer all students the opportunity to attend a variety of trips including study days and theatre visits. Students also have the opportunity to purchase their books at a reduced price.

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.