VCE Literature Units 3 & 4

The study of literature focuses on the enjoyment and appreciation of reading that arises from discussion, debate and the challenge of exploring the meanings of literary texts. Students reflect on their interpretations and those of others.

The study is based on the premise that meaning is derived from the relationship between the text, the context in which it was produced and the experience of life and literature the reader brings to the texts. Accordingly, the study encompasses texts that vary in form and range from past to contemporary social and cultural contexts. Students learn to understand that texts are constructions, to consider the complexity of language and to recognise the influence of contexts and form. The study of literature encourages independent and critical thinking in students’ analytical and creative responses to texts, which will assist students in the workforce and in future academic study.

Unit 3:

In this unit students consider how the form of a text affects meaning, and how writers construct their texts.
They investigate ways writers adapt and transform texts and how meaning is affected as texts are adapted and
transformed. They consider how the perspectives of those adapting texts may inform or influence the adaptations.
Students draw on their study of adaptations and transformations to develop creative responses to texts.
Students develop their skills in communicating ideas in both written and oral forms.

Outcome 1:

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.

Outcome 2:

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond creatively to a text and comment on the connections
between the text and the response.

Unit 4:

In this unit students develop critical and analytic responses to texts. They consider the context of their responses to
texts as well as the ideas explored in the texts, the style of the language and points of view. They investigate literary
criticism informing both the reading and writing of texts. Students develop an informed and sustained interpretation
supported by close textual analysis. For the purposes of this unit, literary criticism is characterised by extended,
informed and substantiated views on texts and may include reviews, peer-reviewed articles and transcripts of
speeches. Specifically, for Unit 4 Outcome 1, the literary criticism selected must reflect different perspectives,
assumptions and ideas about the views and values of the text/s studied.

Outcome 1:

On completion of this unit students should be able to produce an interpretation of a text using different literary
perspectives to inform their view.

Outcome 2:

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse features of texts and develop and justify interpretations
of texts.

Units 3 and 4

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4. In Literature the student’s level of achievement will be determined by school-assessed coursework and an end-of-year examination. Percentage contributions to the study score in Literature are as follows:

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
• End-of-year examination: 50 per cent