Senior English & Literature Extension

English & Literature Extension is an extension of both the English (2020) and the Literature (2020) syllabuses and therefore offers more challenge than other English courses as it builds on the study students have already undertaken.

English & Literature Extension provides a theorised study of literature, to understand themselves and the potential of literature to expand the scope of their experiences. They ask critical questions about cultural assumptions, implicit values and differing world views encountered in an exploration of social, cultural and textual understandings about literary texts and the ways they might be interpreted and valued.

Students apply different theoretical approaches to analyse and evaluate a variety of literary texts and different ways readers might interpret these texts. They synthesise different interpretations and relevant theoretical approaches to produce written and spoken/signed extended analytical and evaluative texts. The nature of the learning in this subject provides opportunities for students to work independently on intellectually challenging tasks.

Pathways

A course of study in English & Literature Extension can establish a basis for further education and employment in a range of fields, and can lead to a range of careers in areas where understanding social, cultural and textual influences on ways of viewing the world is a key element, such as law, journalism, media, arts, curating, education, policy and human resources. It also provides a good introduction to the academic disciplines and fields of study that involve the application of methodologies based on theoretical understandings.

Objectives

By the conclusion of the course of study, students will:

• demonstrate understanding of literary texts studied to develop interpretation/s
• demonstrate understanding of different theoretical approaches to exploring meaning in texts
• demonstrate understanding of the relationships among theoretical approaches
• apply different theoretical approaches to literary texts to develop and examine interpretations
• analyse how different genres, structures and textual features of literary texts support different interpretations
• use appropriate patterns and conventions of academic genres and communication, including correct terminology, citation and referencing conventions
• use textual features in extended analytical responses to create desired effects for specific audiences
• evaluate theoretical approaches used to explore different interpretations of literary texts
• evaluate interpretations of literary texts, making explicit the theoretical approaches that underpin them
• synthesise analysis of literary texts, theoretical approaches and interpretations with supporting evidence
• use mode-appropriate features to achieve particular purposes.

Structure

To study English & Literature Extension, students should have completed Units 1 and 2 of either English or Literature. In Year 12, students undertake Units 3 and 4 of English & Literature Extension concurrently with, or after, Units 3 and 4 of English and/or Units 3 and 4 of Literature