A Level - English Literature

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?

As one of our English Literature students said, “If you have enjoyed exploring plays, poems and novels at school you will love English Literature at A ­level. The texts are so much more enjoyable and challenging.” To be successful in this course you will need a passion for reading widely and for analysing and interrogating texts to find meaning. You will read, discuss and actively explore a range of set texts, as well as having the exciting opportunity to pursue your own literary passion by choosing your own texts to study for coursework.

Books are at the heart of our course, offering you a wonderful opportunity to delve into modern classics such as F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as well as strikingly modern texts such as Sebastian Barry’s A Long Long Way. You will study:

• Two novels
• Two collections of poetry
• A Shakespeare play and a more modern drama text
• Two coursework texts of your choice, one written pre 1900

The texts we study have been carefully chosen to give you an insight into how writers craft their work but also to inspire and entertain you. In exploring these texts we think about writers’ methods, but also about the portrayal of some of the most universal human emotions and experiences. The focus of the course is lively and varied; we explore the representation of love in Literature and the portrayal of the First World War and its political and social aftermath. Your own independent reading will be crucial throughout the course but particularly in the coursework unit when you will have the opportunity to choose your own texts to research and write about. As such, you need to be self-motivated, conscientious and, above all, a committed reader with interesting interpretations and the confidence to express them.

WHAT DO I NEED TO JOIN THE COURSE?

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and English Literature.

CAN I TAKE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS?

If you choose to study English Literature, you will usually take it alongside two other A levels. Subjects which complement English Literature include: Drama and Theatre Studies, History, Media Studies, Modern Languages and Sciences.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Through examination (80%) and one non-examinable assessment (20%).

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

There are no charges to study this course. However, there may be some costs for trips and – although all course texts are available from the LRC on long term loan – you may wish to buy your own copies.

WHAT IS THE DURATION?

This is a two year course.

WHAT IS THE UCAS POINTS TARIFF FOR THIS COURSE?

A Level

Grade	UCAS Points
A*	56
A	48
B	40
C	32
D	24
E	16

HOW DO I APPLY?

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