English A-Level (Yr 12&13)
AS/A2 English Literature B AQA 2745
English Literature and its potential
English Literature at Advanced GCE opens doors, whatever career you may be considering. Not only does it provide a solid foundation for reading the arts at university, it is also respected highly by faculties of science and medicine. Careers in the media, journalism, business or law are all facilitated by study of English Literature at this level.
Aims of the English Literature course:
- to develop an informed response to a wide range of literary texts
- to sharpen awareness of writers' choices and their craft
- to hone critical acumen and enable lucid articulation of informed independent opinions and judgments
- to develop the ability to evaluate the contexts in which literary texts are written and understood
- to develop skills in independent study.
Entry requirements
Aspiring students should have at least an A grade in both English and English Literature at GCSE.
Who is this course suitable for?
English Literature will suit students who:
- have a genuine interest in reading and enjoy texts of all periods and genres
- enjoy expressing opinions and justifying comments on texts
- are sufficiently motivated to commit to studying independently
- want to keep their options open for further study.
Course structure, content and assessment
- Twelve texts [six at each level] including at least one from each of 1300 - 1800; 1800 - 1945; Post-1990 and a Shakespeare play.
- Four modules: two at AS; two at A2.
- AS: Unit 1, examination: Aspects of Narrative. Unit 2, coursework, two pieces [one of which can be re-creative]: Dramatic/Tragic Genres.
- A2: Unit 3, examination: Texts and Genres Unit 4, coursework: Further and Independent Reading [at least one text will be the student's personal choice and studied independently].
- Coursework is compulsory at both levels.
- Two teachers deliver the course at each level.
This new specification started in September 2008.
Click to view AQA Specification page
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