Course Description
A Level English Literature
Course code: NALV10
Delivery method: Online and Paper Based
Course duration: 24 Months
Entry requirements: English GCSE or equivalent
Award achieved: Pearson Edexcel A Level English Literature
Awarding body: Pearson Edexcel
The first time the full A Level exams can be taken is June 2017, the AS exams can be taken from June 2016.
English Literature is considered the finest in the world, find out why and how it has shaped our national character and psyche.
This course develops a deep love of literature through exploration of some classic and important texts by Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Mary Shelly and the indomitable Margaret Atwood.
English Literature course overview
The focus of this course will be exploring prose, drama and poetry. You will learn to ready widely and independently as well as engage creatively and critically with a text. You do this through applying your developing knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. You will also explore others interpretations of text and how this differs from yours.
Upon successful completion of the exam and practical assessments (as administered by Pearson Edexcel) you will have achieved an internationally recognised Pearson Edexcel A-Level English Literature.
Skills gained
- Independently reading a wide range of set texts and others you have selected for yourself
- Engaging and responding to these texts in a critical and creative way
- Build your knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation and practice them yourself
- Explore the interpretations of others to texts they are reading
- Independently study in a sustained way to develop a deep appreciation of English Literature and how it impacts tradition
Course outline
You must sit three examinations examinations and submit a piece of coursework
Paper 1: Drama
This paper covers two plays and critical essays on Shakespeare, supported by reading of a critical anthology. This is an open book exam so you will be able to take copies of the primary text into the examination.
The paper has two sections A and B. You answer one essay question from a choice of two for both sections.
One extract based essay on the chosen drama text;
Exam length: 2 hours 15 minutes, 30% of A-Level, Section A = 35 Marks, Section B = 25 Marks, Total Marks = 60
Paper 2: Prose
Paper 2 covers two novels, it’s an open book exam so you will be able to take primary texts with you into the examination
You answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two.
Exam length: 1 hour, 20% of A-Level, Total Marks = 40
Paper 3: Poetry
Paper 3 covers a selection of poetry from the two collections studied you will also be presented with some unseen material, it’s an open book exam so you will be able to take primary texts with you into the examination
The paper consists of sections A and B.
Section A: You answer one question from a choice of two, comparing an unseen poem with one you have studied.
Section B: You answer one questions from a choice of two on one poet, or poetic movement that they have studied
Exam length: 2 hour 15 minutes, 30% of A-Level, Section A = 30 Marks, Section B = 30 Marks, Total Marks = 60
Course content
The course is split into 4 units:
Unit 1: Drama
William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest
William Shakespeare, Shakespeare: A Critical Anthology – Comedy (Order this from your exam centre when you register)
Unit 2: Prose
Mary Shelly, Frankenstein
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale
Unit 3: Poetry
S. Eliot, Selected Poems (Faber, 2009) ISBN 9780571247059 (This is the 80th Anniversary Edition in an attractive hardcover.)
William Sieghart, ed., Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011 (Faber and Faber, 2015) ISBN 978-0571325405
Unit 4: Coursework
Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights
Angela Carter, The Bloody chamber
Assessment
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level English Literature qualification is gained once all 3 exam papers are successfully completed along with coursework. These exams are administered by the Pearson Edexcel and assessment centre details will be included with your course, as well as practice papers so that you are more than prepared for your assessments. You will need to contact your local examination centre to work through your coursework requirements.
In addition, there will be a number of tutor marked assessments (TMAs) to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the course materials, with the tutor sending comments to guide you through any areas of potential difficulty, as well as a range of self-assessments that are indicators that you understand the materials as you work through them. These are for your own information, and do not need to be shown to your course tutor.
Method of study
Online and Paper Based
The course is primarily an online course using a Learning Management System (LMS).
You can also choose to have a paper version of the course sent to you.
The online course has many features that cannot be printed such as embedded videos, forums and interactive tests.
The course includes Tutor Marked Assessments which you access and submit through the online system.
Tutor support
Our A Level courses come with tutor feedback and support by email for 24 months. They will mark your TMAs and provide valuable guidance through any trickier parts of the course whenever you need it. You will also receive a study guide to help you with all aspects of studying, essay writing and general student skills.
