What is it and why should I do it?
Literature is a subject for students who like reading and thinking about writing, especially the choices authors make to convey their ideas, views, and values. Students read a range of novels, plays, poetry and other literature from different historical periods and literary traditions, analysing what ideas are explored through features such as word choice, setting, characterisation and symbolism. In this sense, the skills used and developed complement those used in English. In Literature, students also read and consider others' readings of the texts, including how some have read texts through particular 'lenses' or literary theories. Students present their understanding and interpretation of the texts mostly in written essays and analyses, with one creative task. Six texts are studied across units 3 and 4.
How much homework/study will I have?
All Unit 3 and 4 subjects require 3-5 hours of study per week.
Students must read the selected texts before each study begins. Classes consist mostly of modelled analysis and group discussion and analysis of key scenes and ideas. Students will complete most practice writing tasks for homework. Short tasks will be set after each class, with more homework required to practise extended tasks in preparation for SACs.
What contributes to my study score?
Five SACs and one end of year exam
SAC 1 - Comparison of a selected text and an adaptation (800-1200 words) 12.5%
SAC 2 - Creative response to a selected text (800-1500 words) and explanation of authorial choices (oral 6-8 minutes) 12.5%
SAC 3 - Close analysis of selected passages of a selected text (800-1200 words) 6.25%
SAC 4 - Essay responding to two pieces of literary criticism on a selected text (1000-1200 words) 12.5%
SAC 5 - Close analysis of selected passages of a (second) text (800-1200 words) 6.25%
Exam - 2 hours and 15 minutes to write two different types of essays (800-1000 words each) 50%
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
To pass any VCE unit you need to demonstrate that you have met the Outcomes. In Literature, to meet the outcomes you must demonstrate the ability to interpret ideas and meaning and support this analysis with close textual detail in extended, written responses. The interpretation must be plausible and convincing, and your written expression clear.
Outcome 1 (Unit 3) Adaptations and Transformations
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the extent to which meaning changes when a text is adapted to a different form, for example, when a play is turned into a film.
Outcome 2 (Unit 3) Creative Responses to Texts
On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond creatively to a text and then comment on the connections between the text and the response. This creative response may involve adopting or rejecting elements of the author's style, rewriting a key scene in a different form or extending an image or character.
Outcome 1 (Unit 4) Literary Perspectives
On completion of this unit students should be able to produce an interpretation of a text using different literary perspectives to inform their view. Students will choose from selected pieces or extracts of literary criticism to inform, extend and compare with their own interpretation of the text.
Outcome 2 (Unit 4) Close Analysis
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse features of two different texts, and develop and justify their interpretation of the texts. Students will show that they can identify interesting ideas and literary features within key passages and use them to support their interpretation of the text.