English Literature - AS
About this course
Do you enjoy being creative, thinking for yourself, discussing contemporary issues related to literature and developing your ideas in writing and reading? If so, then this course is the perfect choice for you!
Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, this programme will explore novels, plays and poetry including texts and contexts and is also an opportunity to develop creative reading and writing.
The English Literature AS programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.
What you will study
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.
Entry requirements
- 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.
Teaching and assessment
Two coursework assessments and written exam
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
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I came to the College as I wanted to travel and become more independent – it’s so modern and looks amazing. When I saw the library I was sold. Honestly the library was my main pull, there are so many books I loved it.
Someone came in to speak to us about the Sutton Trust, which gives students a taste of life at American universities. I applied - it was really competitive but I got in. We went to a different state every day, and we went to different colleges including Princeton and Harvard. I also had a week at Warwick Uni and a week at Nottingham Uni. It was so good – I just loved it.
You have a lot of support at the College, especially from the Careers and Ideas team. I think there are a lot more opportunities here as it is such a big college with so many resources.
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