English Literature A2

An Introduction to F663

Synoptic assessment tests the candidates’ understanding of the connections between different elements of the subject.

Both A2 units fulfil this requirement. They build on the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the AS units, and require:• the explicit synthesis of insights gained from a close and detailed study of a range of texts important for the development of English literature;• evidence of the ways in which contextual factors and different interpretations of texts illuminate their own readings;• skills of interpretation and expression to give insightful, accurate, well-argued responses to texts.

A2 – Synoptic Assessment

Your six texts this year are...• Three of your own choice (including one

poetry text) - coursework• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William

Shakespeare - exam• The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan - exam• Songs of Innocence and Experience by William

Blake - exam

Key Dates 2013/14:Coursework weeks: 1-4 of Autumn 2First draft of F664 coursework: Friday 29th NovemberReturned: Monday 16th December

Tutorials: weeks 5-7 of Autumn 2 (1 lesson per week; exam work during other lessons)

Coursework week: 1 of Spring 1 (tutorials)Second draft of F664 coursework: Friday 10th JanuaryReturned: Monday 20th January

Final draft of F664 coursework: Monday 3rd February

F663 Exam: Friday 6th June (am)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Comparative-Essays-OCR-English-Literature/dp/0198390440/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377785338&sr=8-2&keywords=ocr+gce+english+literature

Helpful for Section B

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_n_1?rh=n%3A274876%2Ck%3Amidsummer+nights+dream&keywords=midsummer+nights+dream&ie=UTF8&qid=1377785645&rnid=1642204031

For A Midsummer Night’s Dream...

Assessment Objectives

AO1: Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression.

AO2: Demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts.

AO3: Explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts informed by interpretations of other readers

AO4: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.

AO1: Articulate creative, informed and relevant responses to literary texts, using appropriate terminology and concepts, and coherent, accurate written expression.

Be imaginative and original

Know about Shakespeare; the nature of plays in that period and in general etc.

Answer the question! Use key terms from the question in your answer

Know your terminology

Check your spelling, punctuation, grammar and structure. Are you easily understood? Does your argument flow?

AO2: Demonstrate detailed critical understanding in analysing the ways in which structure, form and language shape meanings in literary texts.

Look closely at the detail of the text and be precise in your understanding

What is the effect? Why? How?

Overall layout of the play, e.g. stage directions (implicit or explicit), metre, rhyme scheme...

The method and style used by the writer, e.g. soliloquy

The way the writer has used words, e.g. alliteration, assonance, personification...

AO3: Explore connections and comparisons between different literary texts informed by interpretations of other readers

Different performances and adaptations of the play, e.g. film, theatre, animated...

Critical interpretations of theme, meaning etc.

Really only assessed in Section B...

AO4: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.

Importance to the writer/the creation of the text, and to our understanding of it

Social: e.g. role of women in society at time written/setHistorical: values and events of the time periodLiterary: what is this play like in relation to others by the same writer or by his/her contemporaries?Biographical: what were the important influences on the writer at the time?Critical: different reactions to and interpretations of the play since it was written

Key AOs for MND: • critical understanding in analysis of language, form and structure• responses informed by interpretations of others

‘Interpretations of others’

“Candidates [...] need to consider different interpretations of their set texts. Many candidates were able to name a range of well-known critics and engage with their debates, which worked very well...”

“Perhaps an active focus in teaching on discovering critics rather than being given a list of critical quotes to learn would be beneficial.”

1. Critical essays and quotes

2. Plays in performance“...a substantial amount of comment on the plays in performance. This gave an excellent source of (AO3) dramatic interpretation and informed some very intelligent arguments.”

“...much relevant and useful comment on the recent production of the play at Shakespeare’s Globe.”

http://pinterest.com/vakeswick/a-midsummer-nights-dream/

The Globe, London (until 12th Oct)

Newcastle Theatre Royal, 2nd April – 5th April

dream40.org

Also...

Opera NorthNorthern Ballet

Peter Hall’s version, starring Judi Dench, Diana Rigg, Helen Mirren and Ian Holm (1968)

Adrian Noble’s film of his RSC production (1996)

The classic Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle film from 1935, starring James Cagney and Mickey Rooney

Michael Hoffman’s 1999 adaptation, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Rupert Everett

Three steps to an “informed personal response”:

1. Encountering the playa) A ‘return to Shakespeare’b) First reactions to the text as a wholec) ‘Beyond liking or understanding’ – an objective look at your shared reactions

2. Working through the text using the AOs as a framework for detailed analysis

a) AO2 – looking at language, action and structureb) AO3 – views of the action within the text, by critics, and in performancec) AO4 – issues of the time; reflections of the age (then/now); how the play works for

an audience

3. Focusing on the exam/possible questions (exam practice)a) AO1 – core issues (the play’s central concerns)b) AO2 – dramatic structure, setting, characterisation and registerc) AO3/4 – historic criticism and reception; modern criticism; significant/effective

productionsd) AO4 – sources

1.Encountering the playa) A ‘return to Shakespeare’

What do you know about a) Shakespeare’s Life? b) Shakespeare’s work? c) Shakespeare’s theatre? d) Elizabethan England? e) The Globe?

On your table is a sheet of paper. Write your given heading on the paper and note down as much information as you can about your subject.

After five minutes you will stop, move to the next table, and add your ideas to that piece of paper too. Make sure you read what’s there already and don’t repeat any ideas! This will continue until you return to your original piece of paper. What new information have you gained?

1.Encountering the playa) A ‘return to Shakespeare’

What do you now know about a) Shakespeare’s Life? b) Shakespeare’s work? c) Shakespeare’s theatre? d) Elizabethan England? e) The Globe?

What do you still need to know?

Your first independent homework of the year is to add to your given topic and produce a handout to share with the rest of the class. It needs to be thorough, useful, and neatly produced.

You can work in your groups or individually – it’s up to you – but everyone needs to submit something.