English Literature - B

Examining Board – AQA

By studying this course, you should increase your powers of analysis and further your knowledge of literature. You will study texts from the three main genres: poetry, drama and prose, which are taken from a range of periods. You will also develop your ability to express yourself in written and verbal forms and formulate opinions based on the study of others’ ideas. These will include those of both academics and peers.

English Literature consists of six modules, of which two are written coursework*:

The AS Modules are: 

  • Introduction to the Study of Literature:
    This module is intended as an introduction to the critical assessment of one prose text.
  • Genre Study: Poetry and Drama
    This module is intended to develop your responses to drama and poetry
  • Shakespeare* 
    This module focuses on the detail of one or more of Shakespeare’s plays

The A2 Modules are:

  • Comparing Texts*
    This module focuses on comparing two texts, one of which is prose
  • Set Texts
    This module focuses on the study of two set texts, one on drama before 1770 and one on poetry before 1900.
  • Exploring Texts
    This module focuses on approaches to and methods of the study of literary texts. This is a synoptic module.

METHODS OF STUDY

Teaching groups tend to be between eight and sixteen in number and three teachers teach the course through a range of teaching and learning strategies, which include:

  • Discussion (whole group, small group and pairs)
  • Close reading and annotation of texts
  • The use of audio/visual stimuli
  • Presentations (individual, paired or small group)
  • Reporting back on excerpts/chapters of texts

Much of your work will be produced independently. However, there are frequent opportunities in this subject to share ideas either prior to, during or after written assignments. You should expect at least one piece of written work per fortnight in each of your Modules. Reading, research and other ancillary activities will supplement this. In addition to this, in order for you to take full advantage of the course, it is recommended that you do further “wide” reading.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Four of the Modules are externally assessed

  • Introduction to Literature
    35% of total AS mark
    17.5% of total A level mark
  • Genre Study: Poetry and Drama
    35% of total AS mark
    17.5% of total A level mark
  • Set Texts: Drama Before 1770; Poetry before 1900
    15% of total A level mark
  • Exploring Texts
    20% of total A level mark

2 modules are internally assessed:

  • Shakespeare
    30% of total AS mark
    15% of total A level mark
  • Comparing Texts
    15% of total A level mark

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ideally we would prefer students to have achieved at least a grade B in the subject at GCSE.