English Literature

English Literature Summary

A-level English Literature students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills through the study and discussion of a variety of literary texts. The course is broken down into three components and will allow students to experience a range of poetry, plays and novels from pre-19th century to the current day.

Studying English Literature opens-up a world of inspiration and creativity, developing skills and awareness of a variety of issues that equip students for a better understanding of cultures, societies and traditions. Throughout the course students are encouraged to develop independence and confidence when analysing texts. They have the opportunity to choose their own texts and essay titles in the coursework element, Theory and Independence.

Entry Requirements

5 x grade 5 or above (including GCSE Maths and English Language)

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

The variety of assessment styles used, such as passage-based questions, unseen material, single text questions, multiple-text questions, open- and closed-book approaches allows students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.

Component breakdown

Paper 1: Aspects of Tragedy
2 hours, 30 minutes
Section A: ‘Othello’ – analysing an extract.
Section B: ‘Othello’ – debate style essay. 

Section C: Keats poetry selection and ‘Death of a Salesman’ – exploring tragedy through multiple texts.  

Paper 2: Social and Political Protest Writing
3 hours
Section A: Unseen extract – exploring aspects of the genre in an unseen text.
Section B: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘The Kite Runner’, ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience’ – debate-style essay. 

Section C: Social and Political Protest – exploring the effects of the genre. 

Coursework: Theory and Independence 
Applying Marxist and Feminist critical theory to two texts of students’ choice. 

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