English Literature

Course summary

The study of English Literature A Level aims to give you the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the study of different forms of literature by encouraging, through close analysis and discussion, a deeper awareness and understanding of a variety of texts, whilst preparing you for possible study at university. You will look at the way writers shape meaning through form, structure and language and how texts relate to their historical and social contexts. The course develops your powers of analysis and your reading and writing skills. It also encourages personal response and engagement with texts and, hopefully, a love of literature. The study of English not only develops your reading, writing and analytical ability, but it also enables the development of integral skills such as communication, problem-solving and team building that you will find applicable for higher education, employment and the wider community. You will look at the way writers shape meaning through form, structure and language and how texts relate to their historical and social contexts. The course develops your powers of analysis and your reading and writing skills. It also encourages personal response and engagement with texts and, hopefully, a love of literature. The core content of the course includes exploring texts in the key areas of Love through the Age, Texts in Shared Contexts (WW1 and its Aftermath) and Independent Critical Study (coursework). The course involves studying prose, drama and poetry. There are 2 exams (80%) and one extended coursework essay (20%). The two coursework texts are negotiated with tutors and we encourage you to choose suitable texts which you will enjoy. Please visit the AQA website for more information. The important study skills needed for this course are literacy: reading and writing. The key intellectual skills are an enquiring mind and a willingness to engage in literary debate.