Why should I study English Language and Literature?

This course allows you to develop your interest and enjoyment in English Language and Literature as you will:

• Use both linguistic and literary approaches when reading and analysing a wide variety of written, spoken and multimodal texts;
• Explore the significance of contextual factors in the production and reception of texts;
• Undertake independent and sustained studies to develop your skills as a writer and interpreter of language through creating and evaluating your own coursework texts.

What will I study?

AS UNITS

Unit 1: Examination – 2 ½ hours [30%] - Critical Reading of Literary and Non-Literary Texts

Section A: Poetry pre-1900 (closed text) + unseen text
Choice of one from two questions
Section B: Prose (open text)
Two prose texts: choice of one from two questions
You will study one text in depth and a partner text for wider reading. The texts will be linked by a theme, which might be one of the following: childhood; parody; travel; creative non-fiction; past, present, future; telling stories.

Unit 2: Internal Assessment [20%] - Creative Writing

Three tasks:

• Two creative writing tasks: one of these will be literary and one non-literary
• One commentary on both creative writing tasks

A2 UNITS

Unit 3: Internal Assessment [20%] - Analysing and Producing Performance Texts

Section A: Dramatic texts in context
Two texts, including one by Shakespeare and one by another dramatist/writer, leading to one piece of extended writing.

Section B: Producing texts for performance

• writing two original texts for performance
• evaluating one of the texts

Unit 4: Examination – 2 ½ hours [30%] - Comparative Textual Analysis and Review

Section A: Comparative analysis of texts
Three unseen texts; one question.
Section B: Reviewing approaches
One text (poetry/prose – open text) – possible writers include Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, Ian Jack (ed.), Ted Hughes and T.S. Eliot.
Choice of one from six questions, designed to allow you to reflect on the insights you have gained from integrated linguistic and literary study across the whole A level course.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements, plus GCSE English Language grade C.

What skills do I need?

• An interest in learning how to analyse language across a wide variety of literary and non-literary texts
• Enthusiasm for creating and evaluating original coursework which has been inspired by what you have read
• An ability to write fluently, accurately and coherently

How will I be taught?

The subject is taught by either one or two teachers, using a wide variety of methods. These include small group work, whole class discussion, independent study and supportive one-to-one feedback from your teacher. Resources for the subject will be available via the college’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.

How is the course assessed?

AS and A level involves 30% exam and 20% coursework.

Unit 1: a 2 ½ hour written exam
Unit 2: coursework folder consisting of 2 creative tasks and one commentary
Unit 3: coursework involving one piece of extended writing on dramatists
Unit 4: a 2 ½ hour written exam

What will this course prepare me for?

AS/A level English Language and Literature gives you the analytical and critical skills which are valued by many universities and many employers. Students who follow this course are often interested in the following careers: journalism, literary publishing and editing, business, law, media, advertising and PR.

Private Study

As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hours of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hours each and GCSE subjects 2 hours each.

Examining Board

WJEC

English Language/Literature Combined is for you if

You enjoy coursework and grammar and analysing the way language is used to achieve particular effects in literary texts, some unseen.

English Language/Literature Combined is not for you if

You do not like coursework, discussion, grammar and analysing the language of a range of (often unseen) literary texts.