A-Level English Literature

• Course Code: OLL101
• Award Level 3, Similar to - A-Level

English Literature allows you to explore a variety of genres and periods, from Shakespearean drama to contemporary literature.

• Develop analytical skills and a command of the English language to use throughout your life.
• Develop the ability to communicate complex literary arguments using appropriate technical terminology.
• Gain an understanding of the relationship between literary texts and their contexts in the wider world, such as political and historical issues.
• Gain up to 140 UCAS points for University.

Course Content

Unit 1: Texts in Context: World War One Literature

Unit 1 provides an introduction to the contextual study of literature. Candidates read and study texts in line with wider historical issues and analyse how authors have handled different themes relevant to the time and genre of their works. You will study poetry, a dramatic text and a novel, and develop your wide reading of World War One Literature.

Unit 2: Creative Study: World War One Literature

Unit Two continues to build upon your knowledge of World War One Literature, this time encouraging you to develop a creative and individual approach to analysing texts. In this unit, you will read one novel (prose) and one dramatic text, which are Sebastian Faulks’s ‘Birdsong’ and ‘Journey’s End’ by R.C. Sherriff. The focus for this unit is on individual interpretation, encouraging students to be aware of the creative aspects of literary interpretation.

Unit 3: Reading for Meaning ('Love Through the Ages')

This final examined unit will bring together the skills from the previous unit and will require you to think about subject matter, style, themes, time periods and literary interpretation. The broad theme of this unit is love. Candidates will read three texts from this theme, and in the examination, will be required to answer questions on four unseen texts, using their wider reading of the genre of love to inform their interpretations.

Unit 4: Extended Essay and Shakespeare Study

In this final unit, candidates will write an extended essay on three texts that are linked either by the ‘Love Through the Ages’ theme, or, in certain circumstances, another identified theme of their choice, which must be agreed with their course tutor. One of these texts must be a Shakespearean text and candidates will need to think about content, style, structure, form, narrative techniques and language.

Assessment

Of the four units in this course, two will be assessed by examination and two will be assessed by coursework. Details are as follows:

AS Level

• Unit 1: Written examination: 2 hours. Candidates will answer two questions, spending an equal amount of time on both. 45 marks are available for both questions. (This will count for 60% of AS Level and 30% of A-Level).
• Unit 2: Coursework Portfolio: 2 essays of approximately 1000-1250 words each.  Both pieces of written work will be allocated 30 marks, giving the coursework portfolio a maximum score of 60 marks. (This will count for 40% of AS-Level and 20% of the full A-Level).

AS Level

• Unit 3: Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes: Candidates are required to answer two compulsory questions, each worth 40 marks. (This counts for 60% of the A2 and 30% of the full A-Level).
• Unit 4: Extended coursework: A maximum of 70 marks will be given to the extended essay, which must be 3000 words. (This is worth 40% of the A2 and 20% of A-Level).

Course Duration

You have up to 24 months to complete the full A-Level, which is plenty of time so that you can work at your own pace. Your only real deadlines are for assessed coursework and examinations, and you are advised to check when these dates fall with the exam centre that you choose.

Study Method

Students receive course materials via an online student campus, with full tutor support for two years. Login details for the online student campus will be sent within 5 working days.

PLEASE NOTE:
You will receive your registration to your online learning campus and student community.

Students will need one of the following packages on your computer to access the online campus.

Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above.
Mac: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 4.0 and above.

Qualification

This course prepares students for the AQA A-Level in English Literature for examination in 2012 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the coursework and examinations, you will receive an A-Level in English Literature.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: Is this the same qualification as an A-Level from a School or College?

Yes! You follow the same syllabus, take the same examinations and coursework and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is designed to be studied from home online, and you receive full tutor support via email.

Q: Where will I take my exams?

You can book your examinations with any A-Level test centre that is convenient for you. These examinations run on specific dates, which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. It is your responsibility to arrange your assessments, including examinations and the marking of your coursework. However, we can provide a list of over 400 exam centres around the country to help you arrange this.

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You will preferably have a reasonable grade GCSE or "O" Level in English Literature and Language, as the concepts in the A-Level English Literature course follow on from some of the knowledge you will have gained at GCSE level. However, this is not always essential, and the most important thing is to have an interest in wide reading.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?

We provide you with a full 24 months to complete your home learning course. This is a lot more time than you need so that you can study at your own pace without the pressure of tight deadlines. This A-Level is truly flexible and aimed at being adaptable around your lifestyle.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

• Study guide
• Access to the online student campus
• Personal tutor support
• Marking of study questions and feedback
• Accreditation

Q: Is there a required reading list?

Yes, you will be required to study from the following books:

Unit 1:

• Barker, Pat - Regeneration (Penguin, 2008)
• Curtis, Richard and Elton, Ben - Blackadder Goes Forth (Penguin, 1989)
• Garner, Brian - Up the Line to Death. The War Poets 1914-1918 (Methuen, 2012)
• Reilly, Catherine - Scars Upon My Heart. Women’s Poetry and Verse of the First World War (Virago, 1981)

Unit 2:

• Faulks, Sebastian - Birdsong (Vintage, 1994)
• R.C Sherriff - Journey's End (Penguin Classics 2000 [1929])

Unit 3:

• Barnes, Julian - Talking it Over (Picador, 1991)
• Chaucer, Geoffrey - The Canterbury Tales (Penguin, 2003)
• Shakespeare, William - Twelfth Night

Q: Are there any additional costs?

It is recommended that you purchase the books listed above, and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the test centre that you choose.

Q: What do I do if I still have questions?

For further information please contact us.