Introduction to the module

LEARNING INTENTIONS

To understand the syllabus rubric for the common module Texts and Human Experiences.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

Effectively contribute to class discussion and compose individual student answers to show understanding of introductory concepts.

Worksheet that can be used to introduce the module

Texts and Human Experiences - introductory worksheet

Introduction to the module

Discuss the following questions:

based on the module title, what do you believe will be the focus of the module?
what are human qualities and emotions?
what could the difference be between collective and individual human experiences?
how might a human experience lead to reflection?
what role does storytelling play in depicting human experiences?
how might a text allow you to better understand some of your own experiences?
how might texts allow you to see the world differently, challenge your assumptions and ignite new ideas?

HUMAN EXPERIENCES

Though it may initially seem very vague and confusing, human experiences can encompass an infinite amount of events, emotions and situations and are, therefore, difficult to define.

Most broadly, it is the life encounters of an individual or a wider group that shapes the human psyche in one or more ways.

GROUP TASK

Students are provided with a copy of the rubric. Divide students into four groups, one for each paragraph of the rubric. Each group must annotate their section of the rubric focusing on the following two key areas:

what are the key skills?
what are the key ideas/content

The Syllabus Rubric

In this common module students deepen their understanding of how texts represent individual and collective human experiences. They examine how texts represent human qualities and emotions associated with, or arising from, these experiences. Students appreciate, explore, interpret, analyse and evaluate the ways language is used to shape these representations in a range of texts in a variety of forms, modes and media.

Students explore how texts may give insight into the anomalies, paradoxes and inconsistencies in human behaviour and motivations, inviting the responder to see the world differently, to challenge assumptions, ignite new ideas or reflect personally. They may also consider the role of storytelling throughout time to express and reflect particular lives and cultures. By responding to a range of texts they further develop skills and confidence using various literary devices, language concepts, modes and media to formulate a considered response to texts.

Students study one prescribed text and a range of short texts that provide rich opportunities to further explore representations of human experiences illuminated in texts. They make increasingly informed judgements about how aspects of these texts, for example context, purpose, structure, stylistic and grammatical features, and form shape meaning. In addition, students select one related text and draw from personal experience to make connections between themselves, the world of the text and their wider world.

By responding and composing throughout the module students further develop a repertoire of skills in comprehending, interpreting and analysing complex texts. They examine how different modes and media use visual, verbal and/or digital language elements. They communicate ideas using figurative language to express universal themes and evaluative language to make informed judgements about texts. Students further develop skills in using metalanguage, correct grammar and syntax to analyse language and express a personal perspective about a text.

Find definitions for these key words from the rubric, and write these definitions in your own words.

Anomaly

Paradox

Inconsistency

Assumptions

Motivations

Defining human experiences

The process of encountering or undergoing something.

The knowledge or wisdom gained from what one has encountered or undergone.

Experiences are occurrences that lead to feelings and knowledge.

Examples of “human experiences” include but are not limited to:

Synonyms for experience

Universal Human Experiences

Humans share experiences or have the same experiences as others.

Watch the trailer for the documentary ‘The Human Experience’.

Discussion questions:

1. How is the human experience defined?

2. What experiences are outlined in the documentary?

3. Can you relate to any of the experiences outlined? Give reasons for your response.

4. How can seeing others as human change the world?

5. What is the overall message of the documentary?

Experiences are occurrences that lead to feelings and knowledge.

Experiences can be positive and negative.

Effect of experiences on people

Experiences affect us emotionally.
Experiences teach us and we learn from experiences.
Memory is the key to understanding experiences.
Experiences change our behaviour.
We do not always react rationally to experiences - this causes the paradoxes, anomalies and inconsistencies in our behaviour.
Experiences can have a positive effect.
Experiences can have a negative effect
Shared experiences connect people and create a sense of belonging and affinity.

You need lots of words for emotions

The ability to identify the emotions experienced by characters and personas in texts will lead you to the knowledge they gained from the human experience.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse