Course Overview

Love through the ages course structure

A2 – Unit 3 (Examination) Reading for Meaning - Love through the ages -

 

Course Objective:

The way we are going to approach the topic of ‘love through the ages’ is by developing your awareness and understanding of the representation of different forms of love as expressed in literature within specific historical contexts. In other words we will look at the themes of the pursuit of love, unrequited love, the celebration of love, forbidden love, family, friendship and loss and betrayal as they are played out in literature in different historical times from the Ancient Greeks through to the modern day. In its simplest terms our aim is to explore as many different texts from the three genres of poetry, prose and drama, in preparation for the exam in June 2013 in which you will given a series of unseen texts and will be expected to respond to them using your knowledge of literature through time and the analytical skills you will learn and refine throughout the year. We will also analyse some film and music to help use to locate these themes within today’s contemporary society and help you to identify universial motifs which run throughout the ages.

 

The Key Themes

The pursuit of love

Unrequited love

Celebration of love

Forbidden love

Family

Friendship

Loss and betrayal

Looking at the structure of A2 in more detail

 

Unit 3 LITA3

Reading for Meaning

Written Paper 2.5 hours. Closed book (you will be given extracts and cannot take your original texts into the exam)

Candidates must answer 2 questions involving unprepared extracts drawing upon their wider reading on the unit theme Love through the ages.

 

• 60% of the total mark for A2
• 30% of A-Level mark

 

The requirements for all A2 specs in Lit are that candidates will study 6 texts covering 3 genres: poetry, prose and drama. To prepare their wider reading candidates will study a wide range of texts from a variety of historical periods showcasing a range of writing styles, forms and responses to the theme of 'love through the ages.'

 

The course of study (Excluding coursework component)

 

The course will span the centuries and explore the theme as it is expressed through all genres and by both genders. The examination will consist of unprepared texts, thematically grouped. Analysis, close reading, interpretation, comparison and contextual knowledge will all be assessed.

 

The Exam

 

• 2.5 hour exam
• 4 unseen extracts
• 2 compulsory questions to answer
• Each question marked out of 40

 

Candidates should read at least 3 texts in order to prepare.

Candidates should read:

 

-          The 3 genres of prose, poetry and drama

-          Literature written by both men and women

-          Literature through time (from Chaucer to present day)

-          Some non-fiction texts

 

Compulsory Question 1

 

Compare two extracts of the same genre. The genres will change with each examination series. Question requires close reading of texts as well as reference to the wider reading of love poetry.

 

Compulsory Question 2

 

Will invite candidates to compare 2 extracts (of the remaining 2 genres). Candidates will use their wider reading on the theme of love though literature to inform their interpretations.

 

4 Assessment Objectives (assessed in both compulsory questions)

 

A01

Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terms and concepts, coherent, accurate written expression.

 

A02

Demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts.

 

A03

Explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts, informed by interpretations of other readers.

 

A04

Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.

 

Sample Questions from Past Papers:

June 2011

Question 1

 

Read the two prose extracts carefully, bearing in mind that they were written at different times by different writers and are open to different interpretations.

Write a comparison of these extracts.

In your answer you should consider the ways in which Coetzee (in Item A) and Hardy (in Item B) use form, structure and language to present their thoughts and ideas. You should make relevant references to your wider reading in prose.

(40 marks)

Question 2

Read the two extracts carefully, bearing in mind that they were written at different times by different writers and are open to different interpretations.

In your answer you should consider the ways in which Behn (in Item C) and Wyatt (in Item D) use form, structure and language to present their thoughts and ideas. You should make relevant references to your wider reading.

(40 marks)