English Literature

Introduction to A level English Literature video

Oxford AQA English Literature A Level

The English Literature AS and A Level course encourages students to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood. Studying texts within a shared context enables students to investigate and connect them, drawing out patterns of similarity and difference using a variety of reading strategies and perspectives. The course offered privileges the process of making autonomous meaning, encouraging students to debate and challenge the interpretations of other readers as they develop their own informed personal responses.

Across the course, students will study texts both diachronically (produced across a very broad time period) and synchronically (produced within a clearly defined time period). Whilst the course invites a variety of written response types, these will all encourage critical debate. In each task, students will be required to argue and to show personal responses and critical preferences, supported by the terminology relevant to the topics and contexts with which they are engaging. In doing so, they will be able to show 'creativity'.

At BISR, texts are selected to ensure that students become familiar with literature from diverse genres, time periods and cultural contexts, supporting their development as informed, global citizens. Students of A Level English Literature develop an in-depth knowledge of the literary canon, but they also engage with challenging and complex concepts from history, philosophy, and the social sciences and are encouraged throughout to draw parallels with concerns in contemporary society. A Level English Literature therefore produces students with a depth of knowledge and the critical evaluative skills that will enable them to flourish in a wide range of subjects at university.

A Level English Literature is a desirable subject for many universities as it increases students’ articulacy and refines their verbal and written communication skills. As A Level English Literature involves non-exam assessment (a 2500 word coursework essay) and traditional written exams, students will be thoroughly prepared for the demands of mixed-mode assessment common to most universities. Students also have the opportunity to explore their own literary interests, preparing them for the greater autonomy in learning that comes with university study.

AS Level English Literature: Course Outline

Unit 1: Aspects of Dramatic Tragedy

• Study of two drama texts, one of which is a Shakespearean tragedy and one of which is a modern tragedy.

• This will be assessed through a 2 hour examination which makes up 50% of the AS module (20% of the total A Level)

Unit 2: Place in literary texts

• Study of one prose texts and one poetry texts.

• This will be assessed through a 2 hour examination which makes up 50% of the AS module (20% of the total A Level)