English Literature AS Level AQA (Specification B) Preparing to study Aspects of Tragedy

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1 English Literature AS Level AQA (Specification B) Preparing to study Aspects of Tragedy

2 Why Choose English Literature? Students like: the opportunity to read widely being able to study a particular period in more depth studying contemporary texts the opportunity to work independently on coursework in preparation for further study or work gaining analytical skills and seeing how context influences understanding. Knowledge and skills gained: how to analyse, interpret, compare and understand texts how to construct an argument elements of creative problem solving the ability to evaluate the influence of various contextual factors an understanding of different ways of reading and writing about texts the ability to deal with unseen texts. Structure AS Level involves the study of literature within a specific genre: Aspects of Tragedy. Students study four texts: one Shakespeare play, one further drama text, one poetry text and one prose text. AS exams (Year 12) Paper 1: Literary genres: drama Assessment: a closed book written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes = 50% Section A: one passage based question on a Shakespeare text (25 marks) Section B: one essay question on a drama set text (25 marks) Paper 2: Literary genres: prose and poetry Assessment: an open book written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes = 50% Section A: one essay question on poetry set text (25 marks) Section B: one essay question on prose set text (25 marks)

3 Subject Content: AS Level Genre study is at the heart of English Literature B. Working within a genre involves looking at ways in which authors shape meanings within texts. It also involves thinking about a wide range of relevant contexts: the production of the text at the time of its writing how the text has been received over time (where possible) how the text can be interpreted by readers now Looking at texts as generic works involves connecting individual texts with others, as the whole idea of genre is a connective one. Set Texts: AS Level Students study four texts: one Shakespeare play, one further drama text, one poetry text and one prose text. Drama: Paper 1 Shakespeare Othello William Shakespeare Drama Death of a Salesman Arthur Miller Prose and Poetry: Paper Literary Genres Aspects of Tragedy Prose The Great Gatsby Scott Fitzgerald Poetry Lamia, Isabella or The Pot of Basil, La Belle Dame Sans Merci, The Eve of St. Agnes John Keats

4 AS Level English Literature How to Prepare Getting ready: one of the most useful things you can do to prepare yourself for AS Level is to investigate the tragic genre and the idea of tragedy. This should include a general exploration of the genre and a more specific research of the set texts and writers. This means you can approach your study of the Aspects of Tragedy with some understanding of its social and historical context. This will be vital when it comes to successfully answering examination questions. Task 1: Research and prepare answers to the following questions. You may present your answers in the form of a mind map. Please note, that while the internet may be used for research, simply cutting and pasting is not acceptable, and does not demonstrate your understanding. 1. What are the different types of tragedy? What are the aspects of tragedy? Explore the older historical form and more modern types. 2. What is a tragic hero or heroine? Are they villains or victims, or both? 3. How important is fate to a tragedy?

5 Task 2: Who are the important writers? Investigate the following writers and produce a brief biography of each. John Keats Arthur Miller William Shakespeare Scott Fitzgerald

6 Task 3: Choose a poem from the list of John Keats poetry to be studied and prepare a presentation on this poem. Include a summary of the poem, how it could be said to involve aspects of tragedy and an exploration of how language and structure help to convey meanings. Plan to develop some useful habits that will really help you to organise your thinking: you ll be doing a lot of reading and you want to be able to get the maximum benefit from everything you read. Keep a reading log: keeping a journal as you read is one of the best ways of exploring a piece of writing. Record your first impressions, explore relationships, ask questions, write down quotations, copy whole passages that are difficult or pleasing Read with pencil in hand. Underline key phrases, speeches by major characters, or important statements by the narrator. Underline or highlight anything that seems important or striking. Take notes on ideas or questions (don t trust your memory). Write in the margins. Keep a list of the characters and/or major events on the inside of the front cover. Circle words used in special ways or repeated in significant patterns. Look up words that you don t know or words you think you know but seem to have a special weight or usage. Look for rhythm, repetition and pattern in the language, dialogue, plot, characterization, and elsewhere. Don t read passively, waiting to be told the meaning. As you read, ask: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How?