Rationale/Aims

Rationale

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.

Aims

All senior secondary English subjects aim to develop students’:

skills in listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing
capacity to create texts for a range of purposes, audiences and contexts
understanding and appreciation of different uses of language.

In addition, Literature aims to develop students’:

ability to respond personally, critically and imaginatively to a range of literary texts drawn from Australian and other historical, contemporary and cultural contexts and traditions
capacity to contest complex and challenging ideas in order to form their own interpretations informed by a range of critical perspectives
capacity to critically reflect on connections, resonances and patterns of language that are shared between texts.