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AS and A level English Literature

Course code: ENS

Level: A Level, AS Level

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

The course introduces you to a wide range of authors and teaches you skills of analysis and argument which will help you to enjoy literature and to cope well in other areas of life.

Requirements

You will need:
At least five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and a real interest in reading, discussing and writing about a range of books

because:

• you need to demonstrate that you can read with understanding
• you need to be able to express yourself in clear, accurate standard English.

Course Content

In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for an AS level.  In Year 2 you will take units 3 and 4 to complete the full A level.

Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative
You will study four works:

• Two novels (at least one post 1900)
• Two poetry texts (1800 – 1945)

You will be assessed by a written examination

Unit 2: Dramatic Genres
You will study two texts from the dramatic genre of tragedy.
You will be assessed by two coursework tasks, one on each text, 1200 –1500 words each.

Unit 3: Texts and Genres
You will study a range of literature on the themes of ‘Elements of the Gothic’ or ‘Elements of the Pastoral’.
You will be assessed by a written examination

Unit 4: Further and Independent reading
You will study a minimum of three texts including one pre-release anthology.
You will be assessed by extended coursework

What else do I need to know?

You need to be able to work to deadlines and to enjoy researching and writing about texts.  It is recommended that you provide your own copies of some books for this course.

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