English Language and Literature provides you with an exciting possibility of studying both disciplines in one course. You will learn about language and literature through non-fiction texts, novels, plays and poetry. This is a wide-ranging course that includes the study of various features of the English language including spoken and electronically produced texts.
English Language & English Literature
A-level
Entry requirements
A grade C at GCSE English Language and English Literature is required.
What will I study
The aims of the course are to encourage you to develop your interest and enjoyment in English as you:
- use integrated linguistic and literary approaches in your reading and interpretation of texts;
- engage creatively and independently with a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts, exploring the relationships between texts;
- undertake independent and sustained studies to develop your skills as producers and interpreters of language.
Throughout the year, reading and writing workshops guide you to develop your own writing strengths and style. You will select to write from a range of genres including fiction, poetry, newspaper and magazine articles, speeches, publicity campaigns and other non-fiction texts. You will record spoken language, transcribe and analyse its features and compare it to fictional and computer mediated conversation.
From analysing short non-fiction texts to reading full-length novels, this course offers you an opportunity to gain a broad insight into reading and writing in English that will offer you skills for life.
Unit 1 Critical Reading of Literary and Non-Literary Texts (External Examination)
Unit 2 Creative Writing including one literary piece, one non-literary piece and a commentary on both pieces of original writing (coursework)
Which subjects complement this
A Level English Language and Literature would go well with any course. Below are some suggestions.
- The Arts
- Business Studies
- History (Modern World)
- History (English and American)
- History (Medieval)
- Law
- Media
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
Assessment
How is the course examined?
- 60% written examination
- 40% coursework
Progression
Other Information
The course requires that you become aware of English in all contexts and you should be prepared to engage in language production through speaking and listening, reading and writing. It is recommended that you buy your own copies of novels and core texts which you can annotate.
What can be gained from this course?
You may proceed to take the A2 course by completing two further modules.
Unit 3 Analysing and Producing Performance Texts - involving the study and creation of texts for performance (coursework)
Unit 4 Comparative Textual Analysis and Review (External Examination)
What will this course prepare me for?
English Language and Literature is highly regarded by universities, and can lead to a degree course in English or in a range of other subjects. The skills and knowledge you gain on this course are useful for a whole range of careers including journalism, teaching, advertising, social work, childcare and speech therapy. Knowledge about and control of language are powerful tools in our modern technological society.