English Literature
English Literature A Level allows scholars to further their analytical skills and deepen their exploration of some of history’s greatest texts.
AQA’s English Literature course adopts a historicist approach to the study of literature; this means reading and responding with the consideration that no text exists in isolation but is rather the product of the time in which it was produced. Scholars will be encouraged to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood. English A Level privileges the engagement with critical debate; what did people think about this text at the time? What do they think now? Do you agree with their standpoint? Might anything influence their view? Scholars are given the opportunity explore not only the ideas of authors, poets and literary critics, but their own ideas and perceptions alike.
The course blends both coursework and exams, with the opportunity to study drama, prose and poetry (ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary texts of the 2000’s). Core texts at AS will be studied across two years, with the addition of further texts at A Level. A Level also brings the chance to independently choose texts to study upon which to base their coursework, supporting scholars in their autonomous and creative journey to becoming expert literary critics!