A level English Literature Years 12 & 13

Specification

Edexcel - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/english-literature-2015.coursematerials.html

Literature that has survived the test of time has done so because it is still relevant to us today. It is about LIFE and it is about YOU. And the great thing about studying English Literature is that it embraces so many other areas in which you might be interested – history, philosophy, art and psychology being just a few.

Unit 1: Drama (Tragedy)

• Exam: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Open book
• 30% of A-level

Texts:

• Hamlet by William Shakespeare
• A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Unit 2: Prose (Science and Society)

• Exam: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Open book
• 20% of A-level

Texts

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Unit 3: Poetry

• Exam:
• 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Open book
• 30% of A-level

Texts

• Unseen poem</li>
• Collection of post-2000 poetry
• Collection of poetry from the Romantic period (Wordsworth, Blake, Keats, Shelley, Byron)

Unit 4: Coursework

• 1 coursework essay comparing 2 texts
• 2,500-3,000 words
• 20% of A-level

Texts

• Students may choose their own texts (poetry, prose, drama or literary non-fiction)

How is the course delivered?

For each unit you will be provided with background and underpinning knowledge. However, you will increasingly be expected to work independently and seek out additional research.

You will have opportunities to learn through small group discussion, seminar, teacher led note-making and annotation of hand-outs, independent reading, personal research and presentations. This will be supported by reference to relevant TV and DVDs as well as live productions and 'cultural visits'. Your personal enjoyment and success will of course be increased by reading a range of other texts and critical works.

What qualities and qualifications do I need to study English Literature?

Under normal circumstances you will have passed GCSE English and English Literature at Grade 6 or better. You are likely to enjoy the course if you:

• Love reading
• Love analysing and critiquing a text
• Feel that “words” are your thing
• Enjoy completing coursework and undertaking a degree of personal research.
• Enjoy learning about how context shapes writing
• Want to develop presenting an argument or evidencing a line of thought
• Enjoy self-expression
• Fancy weighing up alternative ideas, opinions and viewpoints
• Want to put yourself in someone else’s shoes
• Want to study a subject rich in variety
• Enjoy debating

Studying this subject will provide you with the opportunity to read a wide range of texts from different genres, cultures and historical periods. You will be able to pursue personal interests linked to the texts, to explore different interpretations and to further develop your analytical skills. If you pursue the course rigorously and energetically your qualifications will provide you with the 'transferable skills' much prized by universities and employers.

What will English Literature lead to?

Virtually whatever you want! A solid/good result in English Literature will secure you an acknowledged qualification. It confirms your grasp of a wide range of transferable skills - your ability to communicate effectively, to construct logical and well substantiated arguments, to be objective, and to respond appropriately to the written word. All these skills are valuable in themselves, but are also much prized by universities and employers.

English Literature can be studied as an honours degree, a joint honours degree or as part of a 'general arts' degree all of which provide an excellent basis for success in most professions/occupations. The A Level provides a firm foundation for the study of arts, humanities and social sciences at college or university (e.g. law, languages, history, philosophy, psychology, journalism, media studies).