New GCEs for 2008
GCE English Literature A (2740)
AS outline
At AS, this specification will allow centres to construct a coherent course of study in one of three areas of study: Victorian Literature, World War One Literature or The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature. Candidates will study three texts (one of each genre) in detail, plus three texts for wider reading and contextual support. A suggested wider reading list is provided.
The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1: Texts in Context
This unit assesses the poetry set text plus candidates' wider reading in their chosen area of study. Candidates answer two questions: one on the poetry text, the other linking their wider reading to the focus of a given extract.
Topic list
One set poetry text plus wider reading in one of the following areas of study:
- Option A Victorian Literature
Or - Option B World War One Literature
Or - Option C The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature.
Assessment
| Written Exam: | 2 hours |
| Weighting: | 60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks |
Candidates answer two questions. Question 1 invites candidates to link their wider reading to the focus of a given passage. Question 2 assesses the set poetry text
Unit 2: Creative Study
This unit assesses the set prose and drama texts. Candidates produce a coursework folder containing two pieces of writing comprising 2,000 – 2,500 words in total.
Students select one prose text and one drama text from a list provided for their chosen area of study (Victorian Literature, World War One Literature or The Struggle for Identity in Modern Literature).
This specification operates a consortium network and all centres belong to a local consortium led by a consortium adviser. Consortium meetings are held at least twice a year and provide valuable support and training for teachers, offer opportunities to meet other teachers within the consortium, and enable the useful exchange of ideas and the sharing of good practice.
Assessment
Coursework
| Weighting: | 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks |
One prose text and one drama text
Two tasks: 2,000 – 2,500 words in total. The first piece will be a personal informed response to the chosen prose text, either a creative interpretation or creative transformational writing. The second piece will be a piece of writing on the chosen drama text, focusing on the text in context and aspects such as theme, structure and characterisation.