UK · Subject guide
English Literature
A-Level English Literature A (AQA 7712), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
01 · Overview
English Literature
A-Level English Literature A (AQA 7712), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
- Subject guide
- A-Levels
- Topics mapped
- 14
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Love Through the Ages: Shakespeare
A close study of one set Shakespeare play, examining how representations of love are shaped across different dramatic genres and through dramatic method.
- 02
Love Through the Ages: Unseen Poetry
Critical response to previously unstudied poems, applying close-reading and interpretive skills to representations of love without prior preparation.
- 03
Love Through the Ages: Comparative Poetry and Prose
An open-book comparison of one poetry text and one prose text on the theme of love, at least one of which was written before 1900.
- 04
The Theme of Love Across Time and Genre
A diachronic exploration of how love is represented by different writers and in different forms from the past to the present, including study of an anthology of love poetry.
- 05
Texts in Shared Contexts: Option A – WW1 and Its Aftermath
A period-focused study of literature responding to the First World War and its impact on combatants, non-combatants and later generations.
- 06
Texts in Shared Contexts: Option B – Modern Times (1945 to the Present)
A period-focused study of post-1945 literature engaging with identity, shifting morality, social structures and issues of gender, class, race and ethnicity.
- 07
Set Texts in a Shared Context
Study of prescribed prose, poetry and drama texts within the chosen historical period, building a shared interpretive framework for the era.
- 08
Unseen Prose in Context
Analysis of an unfamiliar prose extract, locating its meaning and method within the cultural and historical context of the chosen option.
- 09
Comparative Study Within a Period
Synchronic comparison of texts from the same period, drawing connections in theme, method and contextual significance.
- 10
Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time (NEA)
A teacher-assessed comparative essay on two independently chosen texts (at least one pre-1900), compared either across or within periods.
- 11
Contexts of Production and Reception
Understanding how the historical, social, cultural and biographical circumstances of writing and reading shape a text's meanings over time.
- 12
Literary Genre, Form and Method
Analysis of how writers' choices of genre, structure, form and language create meaning across poetry, prose and drama.
- 13
Connections Across Literary Texts
Exploring links, similarities and differences between texts to develop informed comparative interpretations.
- 14
Critical Interpretations and Different Readings
Engagement with the ways texts have been received and interpreted by different readers and critics, and how meanings are debated and contested.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Pathways and specifications
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Nations and regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
2
Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.