English Literature
GCE Advanced Level AS/A2
Course Content
Unit 1: Poetry & Prose 1800-1945
- Poetry 1800-1945 - critical analysis of poetry - Wilfred Owen
- Prose 1800-1945 - analytical essay on a set prose text focusing on narrative methods and effects, and linking to other readers' interpretations - Tess of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
Unit 2: Literature post-1900
- Close critical analysis of a poem from Carol Ann Duffy's 'The World's Wife'
OR
- re-creative writing based on Carol Ann Duffy's 'The World's Wife' with candidate commentary
AND
- an essay exploring connections between 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Adichie and 'Our Country's Good' by Friel informed by other readers' interpretations
Unit 3: Drama & Poetry pre-1800
- Shakespeare's Othello: an essay requiring critical analysis of structure, form and meaning, and consideration of others' interpretations
- Drama and Poetry pre-1800: an essay exploring contrasts and comparisons between Marlowe's 'Dr Faustus' and the selected poetry of John Donne
Unit 4: Texts in Time
- A study of texts across at least two genres within the same or different time period: an essay exploring connections and comparisons between Eliot's 'The Wasteland', and two other texts chosen in consultation with the class teacher..
How it is Taught
The study of English Literature at advanced level can seem very different from that of GCSE with many students remarking that it feels like a different subject altogether. Lessons are incredibly varied, in a typical week you will discuss texts in pairs and small groups, research a text on the internet, debate a key issue surrounding a text or dramatise a key section. You will explore how writers use language, form and structure to express their meanings and in doing so you will become confident at both having and expressing your own ideas about literature. Your opinions will be at the heart of the lessons and the teaching is designed to help you formulate and articulate your views about texts through discussion and in writing.
Examination Details
| Unit | Title | Duration | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Unit 1 | Poetry & Prose 1800-1945 | 2 hour exam | 1st Year June |
| AS Unit 2 | Literature post-1900 | Coursework | 1st Year |
| A2 Unit 3 | Drama & Poetry pre-1800 | 2 hour exam | 2nd Year January |
| A2 Unit 4 | Texts in Time | Coursework | 2nd Year |
Entry Requirements
Grade C or above in English Language and/or English Literature.
Students should also meet the general college entry requirements for Advanced Level study. Please refer to the current Prospectus - advanced programmes, entry requirements.
Useful/Common Subject Combinations
English Literature combines well with any other subjects, and many students do other English-based courses such as English Language, Media or Theatre Studies or Film Studies.
Careers and HE Information
Studying English Literature will enhance essential skills such as communication, research and analysis, co-operative skills and use of ILT. These are very valuable for careers and university courses. Many of our students continue with English Studies in Higher Education and many use English skills on other courses.