A-Level English Literature

A-Level English Literature Course Content

A-Level English Literature Knowledge and Understanding:

The English Literature specification requires you to undertake a varied programme of study so you can show knowledge and understanding of:

• How writers in various genres use form to shape meaning and evoke responses in readers and audience.
• The contexts in which texts have been produced and received and understanding of how these contexts influence meaning.
• How to make connections and explore relationships between a range of literary texts.
• How to read and experience texts critically and creatively.
• Evaluate texts, drawing on understanding of interpretations presented by different readers such as literary critics.
• How attitudes and values are expressed in texts.
• Communicate fluently, accurately and effectively.
• Use critical concepts and terminology with discrimination.

There is a coursework element as part of the award, which expects distance learning students to evaluate existing texts linked by genre or theme, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of English Literature.

Your assessed work will be marked and moderated by an independent coursework marker at the centre where you sit your examinations. There may be an additional fee for this marking. All distance learning students should download the Private Candidate Handbook from Edexcel’s website which gives you guidance on finding an examination centre and registering. Likewise, International students need to download the specific handbook for them, which will give alternative examination arrangements.

A Level English Literature: Assessment Objectives and Weightings

The whole course combines a number of learning outcomes. The assessment objectives are weighted as follows: A Level Weighting (%)

• AO1 Articulate informed personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression. 26.7
• AO2 Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts 26.7
• AO3 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received 21.9
• AO4 Explore connections across literary texts 14
• AO5 Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations 11

Additional Information:

Please find below the Set Texts required for the course:

Donne, J. (ed. Illona Bell) Selected Poems. Penguin Classics: London, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-0140424409.
Faulks, S. Birdsong. Vintage: London, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1784700034.
Hosseini, K. The Kite Runner. Bloomsbury: London, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1408824856.
James, H. What Maisie Knew. Wordsworth: London, 2002. ISBN-13: 978-1840224122.
Shakespeare, W. King Lear. Wordsworth: London, 2000. ISBN-13: 978-1853260957.
Walker, A. The Color Purple. W&N: London, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1780228716.
Webster, J. The Duchess of Malfi. Longman: London, 2004. ISBN-13: 978-0582817791.

Students will also study poems from a range of poets published since 2000. These are available in the poetry collection listed below:

Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry ISBN-13: 978-0571325405.