English Literature(4ETO)

EDEXCEL IGCSE in English Literature (4ETO)

Key features and benefits of the specification

The specification captures aspects of literature relevant for understanding the complex society we live in

Key subject aims

The Edexcel IGCSE in English Literature enables students to:

• engage with and develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world
• develop an appreciation of the ways in which authors achieve their literary effects and to develop the skills needed for literary study
• explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies
• find enjoyment in reading literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies.
• prepare for higher study in literature which requires the strong background that Junior High study offers

Subject content/topics

Section 1: The Unseen Poetry Study

Section 2: Prescribed Poetry Study

Section 3: Drama

Section 4: Prose

Teaching Methodology

• use of interactive smart board
• audio visual support materials, like movies
• dramatization of scenes and episodes
• discursive techniques
• group work activities
• interrogative literary analyses
• class reading
• home based assignments for personal study

Ethos and philosophy

• Expand the horizons of students beyond normal classroom environment by encouraging constant inquiry on societal issues
• Encourage self improvement in the use of English for various purposes
• Create renewed interest in the study of literature

Examination

• Paper 1: Drama and Prose – prescribed texts
• Paper 2: Poetry- seen and unseen
• Paper 3: Poetry Coursework- detailed content

        Code:  (4ET0)   LITERATURE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE:

Why take literature?

1      The study of literature is no doubt closely related to the study of English language.   Indeed they go hand in hand, with some of the poems and stories appearing both in English language as well as in the English literature Anthology, quite an added advantage for the students of Literature.

2      The Literature examination has two papers: paper I – Drama and Prose for 70 % and paper 2 is Poetry Examination will account for 30% . The exam poem will come from the English Language Anthology, so it will be advantageous for the literature students. The Edexcel IGCSE literature will allow students to progress on to Edexcel GCE A’S and A’ level in English Literature or equivalent qualification.

3       The study of literature offers students a grand chance to actively engage with the literature texts around the world. Certainly, this helps in the development of sophisticated language styles and techniques which come in handy in responding to the language based questions during exams.

Statics show that most students taking Literature perform better not only in English language exams but are able to present their work well in all subjects. This is because of the extensive reading they do during Literature classes.

4      Through a study of literature, one develops a critical appreciation of the writers’ craft.  Such skills are only acquired through express close textual study and through wide reading, as is done in Literature. Obviously, this translates to an added advantage  during  English language exams since it complements IGCSE Anthology study , especially  the Fiction Section

5      Through this subject, Students of literature explore their own cultures as well as those foreign to them. What a better way of understanding and embracing the world around you! A student will find enjoyment in studying literature and understand its influence on individuals and societies, since it heavily draws from the society, so it mirrors the society, and we see and learn from it. If not for anything else, why not explore literature as a means of emotional and intellectual growth? After all, our quest for knowledge and understanding should be a constant process throughout life!

6      English literature is important  for the  following careers : Law, Journalism and mass media studies, Communication Related Professions like Public Relations, performing and language Arts  courses and a host of other areas, including Advertising, Print,  Audio and Video media profession, General Arts, Cultural studies, Humanity- Related  Areas of Study, Philosophy, Sociology  and History. Where one needs History or Religious Studies, literature will be a most suitable complementary subject.

7       Last but not least, if you desire to stand out from the crowd, with great language skills, then Literature is the subject for you.