Cambridge International AS Level Literature in English, Syllabus 9695
Instructors: R. Callovi, A. Ferrara, S. Kaczur-Etheart, and F. Rigolo
English at Cambridge International AS encourages learners to explore their subject in depth. The syllabus has been designed, in consultation with teachers and universities, to help learners develop not only subject knowledge, but also a strong understanding of some of the key concepts that are critical to mastering the subject.
Successful Literature in English learners develop a lifelong understanding and enjoyment of literary texts, and, importantly, gain a range of essential skills, including the following:
Students in this course will be expected to read actively and to respond in a variety of discourses. This course will provide ample opportunities for students to actively discuss their perceptions of various literary works and to respond to those works through annotation, response journals, creative writing, research and critical analysis.
Aims
The syllabus aims to develop the following:
Assessment Objectives
AO1: the ability to respond to texts in the three main forms (Prose, Poetry and Drama) of different types and from different cultures
AO2: an understanding of the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language shape meanings
AO3: the ability to produce informed, independent opinions and judgments on literary texts
AO4: the ability to communicate clearly the knowledge, understanding and insight appropriate for literary study
Description of Components
Paper 3 – Poetry and Prose (2 hours)
Texts: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, selected short stories and poems from Stories of Ourselves and selected poetry of Ted Hughes.
Candidates answer on two texts—one question from each section.
Paper 4 – Drama (2 hours)
Texts: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare and Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel
Candidates answer two questions on two plays.
Questions will test candidates’ understanding of the following:
Composition
Writing is a continuous exercise in this course. Daily writing activities may involve response journals, writing exercises, peer editing, and timed essays. Various compositions will also be assigned as homework. Model essays will be read and discussed on a regular basis. Graded essays will be reviewed in class for reinforcement of appropriate skills. First semester will also include a unit on the college
admissions essay. Additional assistance is always available for any student who desires reinforcement.
Course Sequence
(Selected poetry and short stories will be studied throughout the year.)
First Quarter – The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Second Quarter – Twelfth Night
Third Quarter – The Namesake and Philadelphia, Here I Come!
Fourth Quarter – Review
Instructors: R. Callovi, A. Ferrara, S. Kaczur-Etheart, and F. Rigolo
English at Cambridge International AS encourages learners to explore their subject in depth. The syllabus has been designed, in consultation with teachers and universities, to help learners develop not only subject knowledge, but also a strong understanding of some of the key concepts that are critical to mastering the subject.
Successful Literature in English learners develop a lifelong understanding and enjoyment of literary texts, and, importantly, gain a range of essential skills, including the following:
- the ability to write clearly and effectively
- skills in developing arguments
- skills in researching and managing information
- the ability to analyze complex texts in different forms and styles.
Students in this course will be expected to read actively and to respond in a variety of discourses. This course will provide ample opportunities for students to actively discuss their perceptions of various literary works and to respond to those works through annotation, response journals, creative writing, research and critical analysis.
Aims
The syllabus aims to develop the following:
- an appreciation of, and an informed personal response to literature in English in a range of texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures
- the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication
- effective and appropriate communication
- wider reading and an understanding of how it may contribute to personal development.
Assessment Objectives
AO1: the ability to respond to texts in the three main forms (Prose, Poetry and Drama) of different types and from different cultures
AO2: an understanding of the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language shape meanings
AO3: the ability to produce informed, independent opinions and judgments on literary texts
AO4: the ability to communicate clearly the knowledge, understanding and insight appropriate for literary study
Description of Components
Paper 3 – Poetry and Prose (2 hours)
Texts: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, selected short stories and poems from Stories of Ourselves and selected poetry of Ted Hughes.
Candidates answer on two texts—one question from each section.
- An essay question and a passage-based question are set on each text.
- In all answers, candidates must show understanding of the text and an informed independent opinion; they must communicate these clearly and appropriately.
- the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language shape meanings;
- the language and style of texts;
- the effective use of narrative methods;
- how parts of the text relate to the work as a whole.
Paper 4 – Drama (2 hours)
Texts: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare and Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel
Candidates answer two questions on two plays.
- An essay question and a passage-based question are set on each text.
- In all answers, candidates must show understanding of the text and an informed independent opinion; they must communicate these clearly and appropriately.
Questions will test candidates’ understanding of the following:
- the ways in which writers’ choice of form, structure and language shape meanings;
- the language and style of texts;
- the effective use of narrative methods;
- how parts of the text relate to the work as a whole;
- the dramatic qualities of texts that are plays.
Composition
Writing is a continuous exercise in this course. Daily writing activities may involve response journals, writing exercises, peer editing, and timed essays. Various compositions will also be assigned as homework. Model essays will be read and discussed on a regular basis. Graded essays will be reviewed in class for reinforcement of appropriate skills. First semester will also include a unit on the college
admissions essay. Additional assistance is always available for any student who desires reinforcement.
Course Sequence
(Selected poetry and short stories will be studied throughout the year.)
First Quarter – The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Second Quarter – Twelfth Night
Third Quarter – The Namesake and Philadelphia, Here I Come!
Fourth Quarter – Review