Why choose English Literature A Level ?
If you love reading and are interested in exploring in detail what writers are saying and how they are saying it, then English Literature is for you.
In studying English Literature you will develop interest in and enjoyment of the subject through reading widely, critically and independently across centuries, genre and gender. You will consider how writers –including you – succeed in shaping the responses and opinions of others.In essence ‘The study of English Literature trains the brain and frees the imaginaiton; it is about life an dliving and just where you fit ino tthe world around you.’
Examination Board:OCR H472
Minimum requirement: GCSE English Literature – Grade B
GCSE English Language – Grade B
Brief Outline of the course:
Component One 40%
You must study one play by Shakespeare.. In addition, you are required to study one pre-1900 drama text and one pre-1900 poetry text.
Set texts :
- Shakespeare- ‘Hamlet’
- Set Texts Pre-1900 drama-‘The Duchess of Malfi’ by John Webster
- Set texts pre- 1900 poetry- ‘Paradise Lost,’ Book IX,X by John Milton
Component two: Comparitive and Contextual Study 40%
You study at least two whole texts in your chosen topic area, at least one of which must be from the core set text list.
- American Literature 1880–1940
Core texts
• F Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
• John Steinbeck: The Grapes of Wrath
Component Three: Literature post-1900 20%
You choose and study one poetry text, one drama text and one prose text all written before 1900 .
Assessment:
Component one and two are assessed through external examinations of 2 hours 30 minutes each .Both components are worth 40% each of the overall grade.Component three is assessed through coursework comprising of critical and comparative essays worth 20% of the overall grade
Work load:
Reading is obviously a major part of the work. If you are not a committed and enthusiastic reader do not consider the course!
Other work will involve research and preparation for class work (this might be discussions, presentations or reports), wider reading and shorter written tasks. Expect at least one of this type of task weekly. There will also be regular formal written answers with deadlines by negotiation.
Class discussion in large or smaller groups is a vital part of the course and you should be prepared to participate fully and “try out” ideas.
For more information contact
Mrs H Fullard on hmf@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk
Mrs V Fenton on vf@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk