English Literature - AS

The course comprises the following two modules:

Module 1: Unit 1: Prose and Drama
External 2 hour, closed book examination in the summer

Section A: Prose fiction pre 1900

For this module, you will study the novel Jane Eyre by the renowned writer Charlotte Brontë. You will also learn how to read this prose text in a variety of ways and how to respond critically and creatively. Students will use literary critical concepts with understanding and discrimination and will begin to identify and consider how attitudes and values are expressed in texts. Pupils will also learn to consider the cultural and contextual influences on readers and writers.

Section B: Drama

For this part of the course, you will study A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.  You will learn how to respond critically and creatively to this drama text and to draw on your understanding of different interpretations in responding to and evaluating this text. Students will also gain knowledge on how to write in an appropriate academic style.

Module 2: Unit 2: Poetry Post-1900
External 2 hour, open book (clean copy) examination in the summer.

For this module, you will study the poetry of the renowned writer Seamus Heaney,  covering a variety of poems from the collection of work called Field Work. Paired with this text, you will also be studying the poetry of Welsh Poet, Owen Sheers and his collection of poems in Skirrid Hill. 

You will learn how to analyse how meanings are shaped in poetry texts and the ways in which writers adapt structure, form and language in poetry for effect.  You will also learn how to identify and consider how attitudes and values are expressed in poetry, drawing on your understanding of different interpretations.

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade A* - C to include English and Maths.

Individual subjects may require higher grades.

Mature learners without these qualifications may be accepted after an interview with the subject tutor.

Two coursework assessments and written exam

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