Advanced level English is a comprehensive course in language and literature that develops your creative and critical skills. You will study a Shakespeare play, a collection of poems by Seamus Heaney, two novels and linguistics. You will also acquire literary criticism, essay- and summary-writing skills. Moreover, you will learn how to prepare for the speaking component of the examination.
Intermediate English is designed to help you gain a more in-depth knowledge of language and literature. You will learn to write a variety of language essays while developing reading, summary and comprehension skills. You will also study a collection of short stories and learn how to use critical vocabulary in your written response to the text. Moreover, you will also practise for a speaking component as part of your preparation for the examination.
The main focus in English A level is the analysis and interpretation of literary works, so it helps if you have a good literature background.
Studying English is challenging but at the same time rewarding, as it encourages you to express yourself, to be creative and imaginative and to develop an understanding and enjoyment of a wide variety of different texts, both written and spoken.
A good grasp of the English language is highly recommended at this stage, as the medium of instruction is English and all assignments are set in English.
Studying English at this level entails working closely with your lecturers in the Department of English. Attending and participating in all the lectures, doing all the tasks set and reading in preparation for your lectures is of utmost importance. Reading widely is the key to achieving good results in both English Advanced and Intermediate level.
You will have 6 hours a week in A level: 3 lecture hours during which you will cover literature; 2 seminar hours for language and literary criticism; and 1 tutorial hour to present your work.
In first-year, we cover the novel Wuthering Heights by Bronte E. (Oxford 978019954898); Linguistics in Revision Express AS & A2 English Language by Gardiner (Pearson Ed Ltd 978-1-4082-06539) and poetry in Opened Ground: Seamus Heaney (Faber&Faber 9780571194933). The Department publishes its own booklet for language and literary criticism practice.
You will have 2 lectures per week, during which you will cover the literature and language content and practise for the speaking component.
In first-year, we cover four short stories from the Short Story Collection (Merlin Library 9789995753559). The department publishes its own booklet for language practice.
Assessment is continuous both in English Advanced and English Intermediate level. The assessment mark (issued at the end of January and the end of May) is an average mark of a set number of tasks which include both language and literature.
The questions set and the marking scheme used are both based on the MATSEC exam paper.
An exam held at the end of the year also contributes to your assessment.
The assessment marks contribute towards promotion to second year.
MATSEC sets 3 papers at A level (Paper I - three questions on literature (drama, poetry, poetry crit); Paper II - three questions on literature (two novels and prose crit); Paper III - three questions on language (composition, summary linguistics).
MATSEC sets 1 paper at Intermediate level which includes three questions - a composition, a comprehension and a literature essay.
First of all, studying English will improve your language skills which are the basis of any course you take up at University. Good communication skills are also essential in any workplace. Secondly, English gives you the opportunity to build a successful career in Journalism, Advertising, Translation and Interpretation, Creative Writing, Teaching, Publishing and Content Writing, amongst others.