AS and A2 English Literature

What students will learn on the course

The course in AS and A2 English Literature will allow students to become confident, reflective and independent readers and writers. Particularly, the course will enable students to consider the content of works, themes, styles and techniques and the approaches of different authors, and, to make considered, original comparisons. By undertaking AS and A2 English Literature students will:

• Consider the content of works, themes, styles and techniques and the approaches of different authors
• Make considered, original comparisons
• Develop their ability to critically appreciate literature and understand the techniques required to achieve this
• Develop their oral and written ability to express opinions about literature in a range of styles and situations
• Encounter a range of literary works from different periods, genres, styles and contexts
• Broaden their cultural perspectives

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

The course in AS and A2 English Literature will appeal to students who:

• Have an interest in reading a wide variety of literature
• Enjoy expressing their opinions and justifying their comments on texts
• Enjoy studying a subject which is relevant to their own lives and experiences
• Welcome the opportunity to broaden their cultural perspectives
• Hope to develop their critical speaking, listening, reading and writing skills
• Are considering following a course in literature at university

Course details

AS Level
Poetry and Prose 1800 – 1945
2 hour examination
Works of poetry and prose are examined with a view to developing critical literary skills and greater understanding of the contexts in which texts are produced together with a variety of possible interpretations.
60 % of AS Level: 30% of A2 level

Literature post 1900
Coursework
Through this study of modern literature, including a work published or performed after 1990, candidates learn to compare texts and gain confidence in their use of literary critical concepts and terminology.
40 % of AS Level: 20% of A2 level

A2 Level
Drama and poetry pre 1800
2 hour examination
The study of Shakespeare is a key focus as is the study of a heritage literary text, involving critical analysis of structure, form and meaning, and consideration of others’ interpretations. Candidates are encouraged to compare and contrast texts, across the works of 1300-1800 authors.
30% of A2 Level

Texts in Time Coursework
This unit allows learners to fully develop research skills and synthesise their knowledge and understanding in an extended individual study of literary texts across genres. It gives candidates an appreciation of the cultural and contextual influences upon readers and writers and the ways in which texts relate to literary traditions, movements and genres.
20% of A2 Level

How this course will develop skills
AS and A2 English Literature relies on the development of the key skills listed below, with some examples of how the key skills are used in the course:

• Communication – discussions about texts, presentations, different forms and genres of discussion and writing
• Information technology – using ICT databases for research, using programs for presenting information and analysis effectively
• Managing learning – planning and maintaining a study schedule, determining targets, self-supported study
• Working with others – preparing a presentation with others, controlling a discussion, directing a scene

Curricular skills required for advanced level literary studies

• Consideration of what constitutes literature and literary study
• How to read a literary text in terms of era, culture, theme, structure, narrative, poetic or dramatic technique, language, genre and form
• How to compare texts
• How to respond, both in oral and written forms, to literary texts
• How to use different interpretations of literary texts from other readers to articulate independent opinions and judgements
• How to use technical vocabulary

Higher Education and Career Options
The AS and A2 English Literature offers students a wide range of opportunities for continuing study or starting a career. The development of transferable skills and critical thinking central to the course places students with AS and A2 English Literature in demand.

Literature can be studied as a single subject at university or can be combined with a wide variety of other subjects. It could form a good basis for study in arts-based subject such as history, philosophy, law, politics or languages, or could be combined as part of a double honours course.

The presence of the transferable skills and critical thinking in the course is a sound basis for most career options. Students with AS and A2 English Literature are also well placed for entering careers such as teaching, social work, the civil or diplomatic service, government, journalism, the media or the law.

Link to English: Overview of Skills
Link to Year 7 Comments
Link to Year 8 Comments
Link to Year 9 Comments
Link to Reading Suggestions
Link to GCSE Preparation
Link to Year 11 Comments
Link to Theatre Visits
Link to Year 12 Comments
Link to AS & A2 English Literature