Literature

Learning Area Leader: Ms Dimitrokalis

An understanding of English Literature has many benefits beyond the personal development. English is the language not only of our society but, increasingly, of the world and a good command of language empowers the individual. Literature is a challenging but rewarding subject designed for students who love reading, enjoy sophisticated text discussions and have highly developed language skills.

Career Paths / Future Directions:

Advertising, Communications, Court Reporter, Editing, Education, Ethics/Philosophy, Journalism, Law, Librarian, Marketing, Multi-media, Policy Development, Politics, Professional Writing, Public Relations, Publishing, Social Research, Teaching, Theatre, TV/Film/Radio, Script Writing

Unit 1 – Approaches to Literature (Code: ENLI11)

Description

This unit focuses on the ways literary texts represent human experience and the reading practices students develop to deepen their understanding of a text. Students respond to a range of texts personally, critically and creatively. Students develop their understanding of the conventions associated with different text types – poetry, film, novel, drama etc.

Areas of study

The course is divided into three areas of study:

• Readers and their responses

• Ideas and concerns in texts

• Interpreting non-print texts

Outcomes

There are three outcomes for Unit 1, which correspond to the areas of study:

• A personal response to one or more texts.

• A critical and/or creative response to the ways in which texts comment on the interests and ideas of individuals and particular groups in society.

• Analysis of a non-print text and the ways it represents an interpretation of ideas and experiences.

Assessment

• Reading journal/multi-modal presentation

• Analytical text response

• Creative responses: written or oral

• Film study

• Examination

Unit 2 – Context and connections (Code: ENLI22)

Description

Students deepen their understanding of texts and text construction (such as narrative style, characters, language and structure). They understand the ways in which their own culture and the cultures represented in the text can influence their interpretation and shape different meanings.

Areas of study

The course is divided into two areas of study:

• The text, the reader and their contexts

• Comparing texts

Outcomes

There are two outcomes for Unit 2, which correspond to the areas of study:

• An analysis both critical and creative of the ways in which a text from a past era reflects or comments on the ideas and concerns of individuals and groups at that time.

• A comparative piece of interpretative writing.

Assessment

• Discussion Forums

• Reading journal

• Views and values essay/creative presentation

• Comparative analysis

• Close analysis

• Examination

Unit 3 – Form and transformation (Code: ENLI33)

Description

In this unit students consider how the form of a text affects meaning, and how writers construct their texts. They investigate ways writers adapt and transform texts and how meaning is affected as texts are adapted and transformed. They consider how the perspectives of those adapting texts may inform or influence the adaptations. Students draw on their study of adaptations and transformations to develop creative responses to texts

This course is divided into two areas of study

• Area of Study One: Adaptations and Transformations

• Area of Study Two: Creative Responses to Texts

Outcomes

There are two outcomes for unit 3 corresponding to the areas of study (one outcome must be presented in oral form in Unit 3):

• An analysis of the extent to which meaning changes when a text is adapted to a different form.

• A creative response to a text where students comment on the connections between the text and the response.

Assessment

• Reflections/Evaluations

• Views and values essay

• Comparative analysis

• Close analysis

Unit 4 – Interpreting Texts (Code: ENLI44)

Description

In this unit students develop critical and analytic responses to texts. They consider the context of their responses to texts as well as the ideas explored in the texts, the style of the language and points of view. They investigate literary criticism informing both the reading and writing of texts. Students develop an informed and sustained interpretation supported by close textual analysis.

Areas of study

The course is divided into two areas of study:

• Literary Perspectives

• Close analysis

Outcomes

There are two outcomes for Unit 4 corresponding to the areas of study:

• An interpretation of a text using different literary perspectives to inform the students’ view.

• An analysis of the features of texts and justifications of interpretations of texts. (This outcome must include two separate responses on two different texts).

Assessment

• Creative response

• Close analysis

• Discussion papers

Examination

At the end of the year there is a two hour examination. Two pieces of close analysis are required.

Units 3 & 4 Assessment

Unit 3 Coursework 25%

Unit 4 Coursework 25%

Written Examination 1 50%