English A-Level - Literature

Course content

Module 1 -The study of a literary theme over time

 - Exploring patterns of similarity and difference and considering how each text is a product of the time in which it was produced

Module 2 - The study of literature through the diachronic perspective

- Reading texts from  different time periods which explore the same theme

Module 3 - The study of literature through the synchronic perspective

 - Reading texts from a narrow and clearly defined time period

Module 4 - The study of a chosen Shakespeare text selected from the list of core set texts

  - The student shows personal responses and critical analysis supported by knowledge of the context of the time in which the text was produced

Module 5 - Writing about texts in different ways

 - The student produces a piece of writing about two independently chosen texts

Recommended reading

Before the start of the course, the student is sent a reading assignment to be completed before the course and a short reading list.

Certification

All students who successfully complete this course are eligible for a Course Certificate.  Certificates are sent by email to those who qualify after the course finishes.

Course aims

This course aims to enable students to write with clarity and authority about chosen set literary texts and to understand the significance of the relationship between texts and the context on the time in which they were produced.

Teaching methods

Description of required reading and recommended reading.

Daily homework assignments

Tutor feedback to homework

Assessment and feedback

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, the student is expected to be able to:

 - debate and challenge the interpretations of other readers

 - produce a piece of writing on a chosen set text

 - demonstrate an ability to explore a theme through various texts

 - demonstrate an understanding of the importance of context to a chosen text

 - possess a coherent approach to English literature which would provide a basis for studying the subject at university

Assessment methods

Students are set two pieces of work.  The first, set half way through the course, does not count towards the final outcome but it helps students to prepare for the assessed piece of work at the end of the course.

Useful information

Each lesson is live and taught by a tutor via Zoom

Each lesson is of 60 minutes duration

Lessons can be taken at any time from Monday to Saturday 09.00 to 18.00 GMT

IT requirements

This course is delivered online, to participate students must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the internet.  The student will need regular access to the internet and a computer meeting the recommended minimum computer specification.