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English Literature
EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA (Spec B)
English Literature focuses the pupils’ minds upon the wider issues of context and literary criticism. They take the opportunity to specialise in a literary genre and study a range of texts around this. The options available are: Tragedy, Comedy, Social Protest, and Crime. The course comprises of recognised and emerging literary greats. There is a wonderful range of texts, and it is really here that the seeds of a more complex and individual relationship with literature are sown.
WOULD SUIT:
The study of English Literature at A Level requires an ability and willingness to: • Extend reading beyond the key texts taught • Develop a critical voice, and independent thinking • Examine the political and social influences upon writers and their texts
FURTHER STUDY/CAREERS:
English Literature is hugely flexible in terms of the skills it teaches and the avenues it opens for higher education. English Literature sharpens written and verbal communication, encourages debate, and teaches research skills. The analytical nature of the subject is key to preparing pupils for a range of degrees and careers such as journalism, law, teaching, HR, and PhD to name but a few.
COURSE CONTENT:
Unit 1, Literary Genres The study of three texts: William Shakespeare, Othello, William Shakespeare, Richard II, F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby Unit 2, Texts and Genres The Study of three texts from the Social and Political Protest Genre: Jim Grace, Harvest, Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House, Tony Harrison, Selected Poetry
Unit 3, NEA Coursework The study of two texts, one prose and one poetry in relation to a chosen critical perspective.
ASSESSMENT:
Paper 1: Literary Genres (40%) Paper 2: Texts and Genres (40%) Coursework: Two essays of 1250–1500 words, each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the critical anthology
