Cambridge AS & A Level- Literature
Learners following the Cambridge International AS and A Level English syllabus will study a range of texts in the three main forms: prose, poetry and drama. Set texts are offered from a wide range of different periods and cultures.
Learners will develop skills of reading and analysis of texts, and are encouraged to undertake wider reading to aid understanding of the texts studied. They will learn skills of effective and appropriate communication including the ability to discuss the critical context of texts.
Aims of the Course
The aims are to enable students to:
• Enjoy the experience of reading literature
• Develop an appreciation of and an informed personal response to literature in English in a range of texts in different forms, and from different periods and cultures
• Communicate effectively, accurately and appropriately in written form
• Develop the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication
• Analyse and evaluate the methods writers use in creating meaning and effects
• Encourage wider reading and an understanding of how it may contribute to personal development
• Build a firm foundation for further study of literature.
Key Concepts
Key concepts are essential ideas that help students develop a deep understanding of their subject and make links between different aspects. Key concepts may open up new ways of thinking about, understanding or interpreting the important things to be learned.
Good teaching and learning will incorporate and reinforce a subjects' key concepts to help students gain-
• A greater depth as well as breadth of subject knowledge
• Confidence, especially in applying knowledge and skills in new situations
• The vocabulary to discuss their subject conceptually and show how different aspects link together
• A level of mastery of their subject to help them enter higher education.
The key concepts are-
• Language
Exploring the variety and use of language in literary texts. Identifying literary techniques and explaining how their use contributes to a readers' analysis and understanding of the text.
• Form
Considering the ways in which writers use – or depart from – conventions of literary forms of prose, poetry and drama and how those inform meaning and effects.
• Structure
When analysed in reading: the organisation of a text or passage, its shape and development and how this contributes to the readers’ understanding of its meaning and effects. When used in writing: the construction of a relevant and supported argument appropriate to the question.
• Genre
Exploring the characteristics of different text types: for example, tragedy, comedy and satire.
• Context
Exploring the relationship between a text and its historical, social and cultural backgrounds and the ways in which this can illuminate the reading of a text. In response to unseen texts, considering the ways in which a texts' meaning is shaped by conventions of form alongside those of language and style.
• Style
Analysing the ways in which choices regarding form, structure and language interact to create a distinctive style, for different forms and genres.
• Interpretation
At AS Level: Evaluating and explaining different ideas within a text.
At A Level: Evaluating and explaining different ideas within a text and using different critical readings to explore an understanding of texts and to help support literary arguments.
Objectives of Assessment
1. Knowledge and understanding
Respond with understanding to literary texts in a variety of forms, from different cultures; with an appreciation of relevant contexts that illuminate readings of the texts.
2. Analysis
Analyse ways in which writers’ choices of language, form and structure shape meanings and effects.
3. Personal response
Produce informed independent opinions and interpretations of literary texts.
4. Communication
Communicate a relevant, structured and supported response appropriate to literary study.
5. Evaluation of opinion
Discuss and evaluate varying opinions and interpretations of literary texts.
Assessment
1. Paper 1 Drama and Poetry
Candidates answer two questions: one question from Section A: Drama and one question from Section B: Poetry. Externally assessed
2 hours
50 marks
AS Level- 50%
A Level- 25%
2. Paper 2 Prose and Unseen
Candidates answer two questions: one question from Section A: Prose and one question from Section B: Unseen. Externally assessed
2 hours
50 marks
AS Level- 50%
A Level- 25%
3. Paper 3 Shakespeare and Drama
Candidates answer two questions: one question from Section A: Shakespeare and one question from Section B: Drama. Externally assessed
2 hours
50 marks
A Level- 25%
4. Paper 4 Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose
Candidates answer two questions: one question from Section A: Pre-1900 Poetry and Prose, and one question from Section B: Post-1900 Poetry and Prose. Candidates respond to both a poetry and a prose text. Externally assessed
2 hours
50 marks
A Level- 25%
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