English Language and Literature

Course summary

· Class and group discussion · Collaborative and independent learning · The acquisition of technical tools with which to analyse language · Linguistic analysis of non-fiction and literary texts, including spoken texts · Writing for a variety of purposes and audiences · Opportunities to explore the relationship of language and literature · Appreciation of spoken discourse The course will allow students to develops confident, independent and reflective readers and writers. What will I learn? The new A level English Language /Literature course will be a two year linear course with terminal exams worth 80% and written coursework assignments worth 20%. Students will study a range of texts throughout the course which demonstrate language use in a variety of contexts. Texts will include The Handmaid's Tale' and Robert Browning poetry. Students learn how language choices help to shape the representations of different worlds and perspectives in literary fiction. They apply their knowledge to the following: · prose fiction that constructs imaginary worlds · poetry that constructs a strong sense of personal perspective Students will learn about methods of language analysis. · Phonetics, phonology and prosodics –for example, the sounds and the patterns of real speech. · Sound symbolism (rhyme, alliteration, onomatopoeia) that some writers employ. · Lexis and semantics – for example, the connotations of words and phrases, metaphor and idiomatic language. · Grammar – for example, how the use of pronouns can shape narrative viewpoints. · Pragmatics – for example, the assumptions made about listeners/readers by the speaker's/writer's language choices. · Discourse – for example, the way different text types use particular features or routines, including aspects of visual design and layout. What can I do at the end of the course? The course can lead to the study of English or any Arts related subject at university