English Literature

Course summary

Units Studied in Year 12 Component 3: Coursework – Modern and Contemporary Fiction For their coursework unit students are required to independently produce two tasks. Task one is a detailed close analysis of a short section of poetry (up to 45 lines) from a small selection of poems by a contemporary poet. Task two is an independently researched critical comparison of two thematically linked contemporary texts, one prose, one drama. In preparation for this unit, students are given detailed instruction on how to improve the quality of their own writing to A Level standard. Component 2: Chosen Topic Area (Year 12 & 13) Students will study at least two texts, one set text and one free choice text, from a chosen topic area, including American Literature, Dystopian Fiction and Women in Literature. This unit will be assessed in a two part closed text written examination. Part one will test analysis skills on a short unseen passage from their chosen topic area, whilst part two will involve a comparative and contextual study of both texts informed by different critical interpretations. The majority of texts in this component are 20th Century. Units Studied in Year 13 Component 1: Section A – Shakespeare Students will study a single Shakespeare text in detail exploring a range of different interpretations, analysing the ways in which language shapes meaning and articulating their own personal and creative responses. This unit will be assessed in a closed text written examination.