
English Literature
Minimum Entry Criteria
Desired: 7 in English Literature and Language
Essential: 6 in English Literature and Language
Board
OCR
Outline of the Course
The OCR A Level in English Literature allows learners to undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of literature, including its changing traditions. Students will explore a range of poetry, prose and drama, with a focused exploration of Gothic Literature.
Learners are encouraged to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they:
- read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves
- engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them
- develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in writing
- explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them
Assessment
Type of Assessment |
Duration |
Weighting |
|
1 |
Drama and Poetry Pre 1900Written Examination – closed text – 60 marksSection A: Shakespeare (Hamlet) (2 extended questions)Section B: Comparison of poetry (Milton’s Paradise Lost) and drama (Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi) |
2 hours 30 minutes |
40% |
2 |
Comparative and Contextual Study (The Gothic)Written Examination – closed text – 60 marksSection A: Close analysis of unseen extractSection B: Comparison of Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein |
2 hours 30 minutes |
40% |
3 |
Literature Post 1900Non-exam assessment – 40 marks – two tasksA close reading or re-creative task with commentary focused on Williams’ A Streetcar Named DesireA comparative essay on one prose and one drama text (student choice) |
4 weeks
|
20% |