Literature Integrating the Australian Curriculum (T)
Literature focuses on the study of literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers, who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, evaluate perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations. Literature explores how literary texts shape perceptions of the world and enable us to enter other worlds of the imagination. In this subject students actively participate in the dialogue and detail of literary analysis and the creation of imaginative and analytical texts in a range of modes, mediums and forms.
Students enjoy and respond creatively and critically to literary texts drawn from the past and present and from Australian and other cultures. They reflect on what these texts offer them as individuals, as members of Australian society, and as world citizens.
Students establish and articulate their views through creative response and logical argument. They reflect on qualities of literary texts, appreciate the power of language and inquire into the relationships between personal preference and texts, authors, audiences and contexts as they explore ideas, concepts, attitudes and values.
Unit 1 develops students’ knowledge and understanding of different ways of reading and creating literary texts drawn from a widening range of historical, social, cultural and personal contexts. Students analyse the relationships between language, text, contexts, individual points of view and response. This unit develops knowledge and understanding of different literary conventions and storytelling traditions and their relationships with audiences. A range of literary forms is considered in fiction and non-fiction texts; for example, oral, written, multimodal, verse, prose and film. The significance of ideas and the distinctive qualities of texts are analysed through detailed textual study. Through the creation of analytical responses, students frame consistent arguments that are substantiated by relevant evidence. In the creation of imaginative texts, students explore and experiment with aspects of style and form.
Unit 2 develops student knowledge and understanding of the ways literary texts connect with each other. Drawing on a range of language and literary experiences, students consider the relationships between texts, genres, authors, audiences and contexts. Ideas, language and structure of different texts are compared and contrasted. Connections between texts are established by analysing their similarities and differences, for example, through intertextuality and other patterns and allusions evident in ideas, language used and forms of texts. Students create analytical responses that are evidence-based and convincing. By experimenting with text structures and language features, students understand how imaginative texts are informed by analytical responses.
Unit 3 develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the relationship between language, culture and identity in literary texts. Students inquire into the power of language to represent ideas, events and people, comparing these across a range of texts, contexts, modes and forms. Through critical analysis and evaluation, the values and attitudes represented in and through texts and their impact on the reader are examined. Throughout the unit, students create analytical responses that are characterised by personal voice and informed observation. In creating imaginative texts, students experiment with language, adapt forms, and challenge conventions and ideas.
Unit 4 develops students’ appreciation of the significance of literary study through close critical analysis of literary texts drawn from a range of forms, genres and styles. Students reflect upon the creative use of language, and the structural and stylistic features that shape meaning and influence response. The unit focuses on the dynamic nature of literary interpretation and considers the insights texts offer, their literary conventions and aesthetic appeal. Analytical responses demonstrate increasing independence in interpreting texts and synthesising a range of perspectives into critical and imaginative responses. In creating imaginative texts, students experiment with literary conventions and reflect on how the created text takes into account the expectations of audiences.
Literature units can be studied as a minor, major or be included in an English T double major.