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.
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.
Six SACs and one end of year exam
SAC 1 - Close analysis of a text's form, language and ideas based on a selected passage (800 words) 5%
SAC 2 - Discussion and comparison of how the text's meaning changes in adaptation (6-8 minute oral presentation) 7.5%
SAC 3a - An initial interpretation of a text’s views and values within its historical, social and cultural context (800 words)
SAC 3b - A revised or developed essay that compares/interweaves a subsequent interpretation (1000-1200 words) (SAC 3a and b combined) 12.5%
SAC 4 - Creative response to a selected text (800-1500 words) 10%
SAC 5 - Close analysis of a key passage with critical discussion of connections to creative response (800 words) 5%
SAC 6 - Close analysis of selected passages of a text (800-1000 words) 10%
Exam - 2 hours and 15 minutes to write two different types of essays (800-1000 words each) 50%
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 aspects of a text, drawing on close analysis of textual detail, and then discuss the extent to which meaning changes when that text is adapted to a different form.
Outcome 2 (Unit 3) Developing Interpretations
On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop interpretations of a set text informed by the ideas, views and values of the set text and a supplementary reading.
Outcome 1 (Unit 4) Creative Responses to Texts
On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond creatively to a text and comment critically on both the original text and the creative response.
Outcome 2 (Unit 4) Close Analysis
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse literary forms, features and language to present a coherent view of a whole text.
PHSC English Literature 3&4 Wiki Page