ENGLISH LITERATURE
  		 
Edexcel, Specification 8180 'AS'
              Specification 9180 'A2'
 

'AS' Assessment
Unit Code  Title/Description Method of Assessment Distribution of Marks
1   Drama and Poetry  Externally Assessed Written Examination (2 hrs)

40%

 'AS' Level

20%

'A' Level
2   pre-1900 Prose
 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1 hr)

30%

 'AS' Level

15%

'A' Level
3   Shakespeare
 Externally Assessed Written Examination (1 hr)

30%

 'AS' Level

15%

'A' Level

'A2' Assessment
Unit Code  Title/Description Method of Assessment Distribution of Marks
4   Twentieth Century Prose Externally Assessed Written Examination (1  hr) 15%
5   Poetry and Drama Externally Assessed Written Examination (2  hrs) 15%
6   Criticism and Comparison Externally Assessed Written Examination (2  hrs) 20%
 
 

Course Outline
In order to study this subject it is advisable to have good GCSE qualifications in English and English Literature as the skills gained will prove a valuable foundation for further studies at Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary Level.  Prose, poetry and drama texts are studied and 'English Literature' includes American and Commonwealth writing.  The set texts are drawn from a range of historical periods between 1370 and the present day.  Candidates are required to study eight texts.  

This course will appeal to students who:

have an interest in reading a wide variety of literature from the past and present
enjoy expressing their opinions in speech and in writing
enjoy studying a subject which is relevant to their own lives and experiences
wish to keep their options open for further study

Career Prospects
English Literature provides a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. Candidates learn and use a wide variety of transferable skills during the course, including: writing for a variety of purposes, responding to literary texts and expressing informed and independent opinions. These skills are in demand from employers, universities and colleges and are also valuable in their own right. English Literature can be studied as a single subject in higher education or can be combined with a wide variety of other subjects. 'A' Level and 'AS' Level English Literature qualifications are valuable in any career where the ability to communicate ideas clearly and coherently is important.