English Literature

What does the course involve?

You will explore how authors view and write about the world. If you enjoy reading, this course offers the opportunity to develop your interests and analytical skills. You will experience social and protest writing plus a range of teaching and learning methods, combined with visits to the theatre.

Course Outline

Paper 1 – Love through the Ages

You will study:
Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’
A selection of pre-1900 poems
F Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’
Daphne Du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’ (AS only)

Paper 2 – Texts in Shared Contexts: Modern texts: Literature from 1945 to the present day

You will study:
Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
Seamus Heaney’s poetry
Kathryn Stockett’s ‘The Help’

Assessment
A series of internal essay-based assessments and external exams at the end of each year.

Coursework
You will produce a 2,500 word essay comparing two texts of your choice.

Examination
In English Literature you will take AS exams at the end of the first year and the full A Level at the end of the second year. Coursework (20%) is completed in the second year.
80% Examination
20% Coursework

Exam Board
AQA
(English Literature Option A)