English Literature B

Examining Board – AQA

Subject Content

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 four modules, of which two are written coursework*:

The AS Modules are:

  • Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative
  • Unit 2: Dramatic Genres*

The A2 modules are:

  • Unit 3: Texts and Genres
  • Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading*

Methods of Study

There are nine hours per fortnight of lessons which are divided into a 6:3 ratio, with the three hours being used for coursework. 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. These include discussion (whole group, small group and pairs), close reading and annotation of texts and the use of audio/visual stimuli. Students will also prepare/make Presentations (individual, paired or small group) and will report 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 “wider” reading.

Methods of Assessment

Unit 1: Aspects of Narrative

You will study two novels, one of which has been published after 1990 and two collections of poetry published between 1800 and 1945. The Module looks at the area of Narrative in all four texts.

  • Written Exam: 2 hours: Open book
  • Weighting: 60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks

Unit 2: Dramatic Genres

In this Module, you will study two plays within the dramatic genre of tragedy; at least one of which has been written by Shakespeare. You will write a piece of coursework on each play.

  • Coursework
  • Weighting: 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks

Unit 3: Texts and Genres

In this Unit, you will study either:

  • Elements of the Gothic
    • 1300–1800; Shakespeare, Marlowe, Webster, Milton
    • Post 1800 – Mary Shelley, Emily Bronte, Bram Stoker, Angela Carter
  • OR
  • Elements of the Pastoral
    • 1300–1800; various including Shakespeare, Goldsmith and Blake
    • Post 1800 – various including Twain, Hardy, Waugh and Potter.

This will involve you studying three of the texts from either genre.

  • Written Exam: 2 hours: Closed book
  • Weighting: 60% of total A2 / 30% of total A Level marks

Unit 4: Further and Independent Reading

  • a study of at least three texts, one of which will be a pre-released anthology of critical writing
  • ongoing advice for this coursework unit will be given as for AS.
  • Coursework
  • Weighting: 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks.

Entry Requirements

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