English Literature

English Literature (EDEXCEL)

Do you love reading stories or going to the theatre? Are you interested in other people’s imaginations, thoughts and ideas?

English Literature enables you to become a sophisticated reader who understands that literature is the product of exciting and imaginative thinking.

It gives you the opportunity to explore and analyse great literary writing – poetry, novels and plays – and to discuss it with other people.

Course Content & Assessment

Component 1: Drama

Examination: 2 Hours 15

Section A Shakespeare

One essay question, incorporating ideas from wider critical reading.

Section B: Other drama

One essay question.

Component 2: Prose

Examination: 1 Hour 15

One comparative essay question from a choice of two on your chosen theme.

Component 3: Poetry

Examination: 2 Hours 15

Section A: Post 2000 poetry

One comparative essay question on an unseen modern poem written post-2000 and one named poem from the studied contemporary text

Section B: Specified poetry

One essay question

Component 4: Non Examination Assessment

2500-3000 words.

Extended comparative essay based on the reading of two texts.

Teaching

The classes will involve a range of different teaching approaches. You will be asked to read the set texts in preparation for lessons and to take part in whole group and small group discussions. You will explore novels, plays and poetry in active and creative ways. You will analyse examples of excellent wok completed by your peers. You will be expected to be a confident, enthusiastic and independent reader.

Your Future

People who can analyse written material, synthesise ideas and construct an argument can apply their skills to many different professions. This course develops these and other related skills. Many universities offer courses linked to this A Level: English Literature is the most obvious, but the wide reaching benefits of the subject make it a desirable A Level for many other courses including Law, Journalism and other careers in the media, as well as any communications based professions.