Literature in English
Explore ACJC's Literature in English programme at H1, H2, and H3 levels. Build critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural literacy through a collaborative, discussion-based learning environment.
LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
Aims
ACJCs Literature programme aims to develop culturally aware students with a love of reading, an ability to critically examine texts, and the skills and rhetoric essential to develop critical and informed arguments. The teaching programme is designed to develop independent, self-directed learners who are able to think critically. We envision a participatory and collaborative learning environment where teachers facilitate discussion and mutual understanding rather than serve as the sole sources of information. Students who are active in discussion and engaging with their peers will find Literature an enriching experience.
We are confident that the fluent communication skills, analytical acumen, and cultural literacy that Literature students will achieve are critical and relevant in fields ranging from business, the professions, academia, and STEM-related careers. The successful student of Literature knows how to analyse any subject, win hearts and minds through a persuasive argument about it, and back this perspective up with rigorous logic.
We believe that the study of Literature is ultimately the study of the human condition and that the student of Literature will therefore be well equipped as a conscientious citizen and a thoughtful member of society. They will be challenged and invited to come to their own conclusions about the key themes and concerns of the texts they engage with, and to consider how these lessons are applicable to our own society.
There are no specific requirements to take the subject at Higher 1 or Higher 2 level.
Approach
The primary modes of Literature education at ACJC are through tutorials and online learning. Tutorials are interactive and collaborative, with teachers facilitating students’ exploration of texts and ideas. In conjunction with the tutorials, the Department makes extensive use of ICT tools, on which specially created content online lectures are posted, along with worksheets, and uploaded enrichment materials. Lectures are scheduled during revision periods to focus on specific critical content review areas. Assessments include written tests and examinations, written essay assignments, and quizzes.
Programme
H1 Literature in English 8841
Candidates offering Literature in English at H1 level will sit for one paper:
Paper 1: Reading Literature
This paper provides an introduction to the three literary genres of poetry, prose, and drama, along with the basics of critical analysis.
Unseen Poetry: Single Poem Analysis
Drama: The Winter's Tale, William Shakespeare
Prose: Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
The assessment for H1 Literature at ‘A’ level comprises one 3 hour examination, consisting of three essay questions. The SEAB Syllabus Document may be found here (opens in new tab) and a specimen paper may be found here (opens in new tab).
H2 Literature in English 9539
Candidates offering Literature in English at H2 level will sit for two papers:
Paper 1: Reading Literature
This paper provides an introduction to the three literary genres of poetry, prose, and drama, along with the basics of critical analysis, and comparative criticism.
Unseen Poetry: Comparative Poem Analysis
Drama: The Winter's Tale, William Shakespeare
Prose: Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
Paper 3: Reading Literature, featuring the Post-Colonial
This paper aims to provide a further exploration of literature, with a particular focus on Post-Colonial Literature. Students will read the work of John Donne, one of the most influential poets of the English Renaissance. Post-Colonial literature will be explored through two novels, taught in comparison, Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea and David Malouf's Remembering Babylon. Additionally, students will engage in analysis of unseen prose, poetry and drama.
Selected Poems, John Donne
Wide Sargasso Sea and Remembering Babylon
Unseen Prose, Poetry, and Drama extracts
The assessment for H2 Literature at ‘A’ level comprises two 3 hour examinations, consisting of three essay questions each. The SEAB Syllabus Document may be found here (opens in new tab) and the specimen papers for papers 1 (opens in new tab) and 3 (opens in new tab) may be found at the respective links.
H3 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH 9805
Aims
Literature at the H3 level aims to create students who are capable of engaging in independent research, engage critically with primary and secondary sources as well as negotiating different critical approaches to their texts.
Approach
H3 candidates will produce a research paper on a topic and texts of their choice.
Students will be guided through the process of crafting a research proposal asserting their initial critical approach to three texts of their choice. They will then embark on expanding this into a research essay. In the course of the crafting of the research essay, students will have up to three conferences with their Research Supervisor to provide feedback on the research essay’s progress.
Programme
The assessment for Literature at the H3 level consists of a research essay of between 3000-3500 words, along with a research proposal and process review document.
The SEAB syllabus document may be found here (opens in new tab)