Literature

Unit 1-2

Student testimonials

Know that we do not just read books. We study novels, novellas, films, poetry, articles, maps and reports and we dissect them as you would a frog in Biology. Intricately and with the upmost care.

Literature 1/2 would most certainly be on the list of the best classes I’ve ever taken-it’s engaging, insightful, and skill building; it expands your knowledge of society and the world we live in. If you want something more engaging and critical than mainstream English, this is a great subject for you. If you feel that lots of reading and discussion isn’t your thing, maybe try something else.

Subject Overview

VCE Literature Units 1 and 2 offers you the opportunity to explore a range of literary texts: from ‘canonical texts’ such as Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Blake to the creative non-fiction of Australian Chloe Hooper. The texts are deliberately drawn from different literary periods and different cultural contexts to ensure a breadth of study. The focus is on deep and close readings of the texts themselves, as well as the context of their creation; in Literature the world in which the text is produced is a central interest as this helps us to understand the views and values present in the text. This is a course of study which involves not just critical analysis but also creativity (and not just in writing; visual expression of ideas is highly valued). Many of the texts offer opportunities for cross-reference leading to rich connections.

Unit 1: Approaches to Literature

VCE Literature Units 1 and 2 offers you the opportunity to explore a range of literary texts: from ‘canonical texts’ such as Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Blake to the creative non-fiction of Australian Chloe Hooper. The texts are deliberately drawn from different literary periods and different cultural contexts to ensure a breadth of study. The focus is on deep and close readings of the texts themselves, as well as the context of their creation; in Literature the world in which the text is produced is a central interest as this helps us to understand the views and values present in the text. This is a course of study which involves not just critical analysis but also creativity (and not just in writing; visual expression of ideas is highly valued). Many of the texts offer opportunities for cross-reference leading to rich connections.

Unit 2: Context and connections

In Unit 2 we continue to build skills of close reading as well as exploring the concept of intertextuality, considering both the ways that texts relate to and influence each other as well as how the reading of a text can change according to the form of the text as well as its function. The way in which language features and structures reflect the period or culture, its ideas and concepts is a major focus in order to understand that contextual meaning is already implicitly or explicitly inscribed in a text and discernable through these elements. This relates to the key understanding that the reader’s interpretation is influenced by what they bring to the text, that is our own backgrounds and experiences influence our reading and interpretations just as a writer is influences by their cultural context.

Assessment Tasks:

Unit 1:

Outcome 1. Reading Practices (analysis and creative response)

Outcome 2. Ideas and concerns in texts (close reading)

Unit 2:

Outcome 1. The text, the reader and their contexts (close reading)

Outcome 2. Exploring connections between texts (comparative essay)

Do this subject if:

Do this subject if you love reading and unpacking texts on a deep level. If you enjoy lively class discussion and having the opportunity to frequently present your point of view, this subject could be for you. Be prepared to share your ideas in a supportive and rigorous class environment.

Unit 3-4

Student Testimonials:

“Literature is a complex subject. If you want to thrive in literature, you need passion and a lot of commitment. In saying that, this class is the source of some really fulfilling epiphanies about the world, life, and what it means to be a human. Personally, I take literature because I want to be a journalist. For me, literature, and writing in general, is a method of storytelling which, in my opinion, is one of the most important things a person can do.”

“Literature is not like English. At its core is creativity. Your ideas are key and literature will suit you if you believe in them. While there are still aspects of the class that deal with structure and discipline, if you have a good hold of those kinds of things you will have a great experience in literature. Lit helps you form a deeper understanding of how to go about analysing and understanding texts. It is a class that takes a lot of commitment and passion. If you aren't willing to work hard both in and out of the classroom, Literature probably isn't the subject for you. Lit is aimed at people who like reading and analysing, and are looking for like-minded people to further discuss and deconstruct the meaning behind texts.”

Subject Overview

In this subject, you will study a variety of texts created by people within different cultures and tradition, from past eras and the present day. This includes novels, films, plays and poetry. You will be introduced to new worlds of experience. It will engage you in close reading, analysis, and critical and creative writing. The understandings that you will develop of the human condition will be invaluable for different careers ranging from medicine and law, to engineering and science.

Unit 3

In Unit 3, you will focus on how the form of a text contributes to the meaning of the text.

You will develop an understanding of the typical features of a particular form of text and how the conventions associated with it are used, such as the use of imagery and rhythm in a poem or the use of setting, plot and narrative voice in a novel. You will use this understanding to reflect upon the extent to which changing the form of the text affects its meaning. By exploring adaptations, you will also consider how creators of adaptations may emphasise or understate perspectives, assumptions and ideas in their presentation of a text.

You will also explore the literary elements of texts and the ways in which authors craft texts for particular purposes. Upon analysing the form and convention of a novel, you will respond creatively, attempting to emulate, and where appropriate provide further insight to the concerns of the text. This is accompanied by a written reflection, giving you the opportunity to justify your personal choices.

Unit 4

In Unit 4, you will continue to develop critical and analytic responses to texts. You will consider the context of your responses to texts as well as the ideas explored in the texts, the style of the language and points of view. You will investigate literary criticism informing both the reading and writing of texts. You will develop an informed and sustained interpretation supported by close textual analysis. For the purposes of this unit, literary criticism is characterised by extended, informed and substantiated views on texts and may include reviews, peer-reviewed articles and transcripts of speeches.

Assessment Tasks and Satisfactory Completion:

Unit 3:

Outcome 1. Transformations and Adaptations Comparative Essay: 50 %

Outcome 2. Creative Response and Written Explanation: 50 %

Unit 4:

Outcome 1. Literary Perspective Essay: 50 %

Outcome 2. Close Analysis Tasks: 25 % (x2)

Do this subject if:

Do this subject if you love reading and unpacking texts on a deep level. If you enjoy lively class discussion and having the opportunity to frequently present your point of view, this subject could be for you. Be prepared to share your ideas in a supportive and rigorous class environment.