ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Specification :AQA AS 5721 A 6721. We follow the AQA English Language and Literature Specification A.

Introduction

Do you like reading? Do you like talking about what you have read or seen? Do you have opinions about people and ideas? Are you interested in how people live now and in the past? Do you enjoy the challenge of analysing language and developing your own writing skills?

If so, then A level English Language and Literature could be right for you.

This course offers an inter-related study of language and literature which combines analysis and creativity. You will study a range of literary texts from pre-1700 to the present day and you will be given the opportunity to explore and comment on them in a range of ways. The study of literature is not just a study of writing but a gateway into the culture of our society. Through literature you will come to meet a wide range of characters, their ideas and psychology.

In addition, you will learn how to use linguistic and literary approaches to evaluate both speech and writing and will consider in depth how meaning is made in a variety of genres, both fiction and non-fiction, spoken and written. You will be able to write creatively and reflect on your own creative achievements.

This course will enable you to become familiar with a range of authors, many of whom, writing in the past, nevertheless deal with problems very close to our own and who discuss ideas which can still be inspiring today. It will also help you to develop and consolidate your own writing skills which are so essential for future success whatever career route you take.

Specification

This course builds on the skills developed at GCSE and combines literary and linguistic approaches to texts. You will study a wide range of spoken language and written texts. Some will be literary, such as the 2& century novel, "Eden Close"; some will be non-literary. There will be opportunities to develop your skills in speaking and writing for different purposes and audiences. You will be encouraged to develop as an independent, confident, reflective reader and writer. The course is taught through discussion, practical writing and analysis sessions. Assessment is by modular examination with a total of three papers taken each year.

A level English Language and Literature can be combined with Art, Performing Arts, Languages, History or Geography, but the linguistic and analytical skills necessary for English Language and Literature are also essential for the Sciences. Thus English Language and Literature may be combined fruitfully with any subject and the knowledge and skills gained will help you have a deeper understanding of what is said, thought and written whenever language is used.

Quote: "English at A level has given me the opportunity to extend my own creative writing skills and acquire a deeper appreciation of linguistics"
6i Student