Texts and Human Experiences

In the final term of Yr 11 you will do the first module of Yr 12: Texts and Human Experiences. It is common to both Standard and Advanced students. As a module, that name is very broad. It asks that you consider what are universal human experiences; what do communities have in common and what makes them distinctive, and how do individuals fit or not fit into communities. What do all humans need? What do we want? How has that changed according to time and place? How has it remained the same? How do we think, feel and behave? It relates to ideas of belonging, identity and representation.

Here is a summary of what the rubric is asking of you to explore:

- How texts represent individual and collective human experiences using language.
- How texts give insight into anomalies, paradoxes, inconsistencies in human behaviour and motivations. The role of storytelling throughout time.
- Develop skills in using literary devices, language concepts, modes and media.
- Make judgements about how meaning is shaped by context, purpose, structure, stylistic and grammatical features and form.
- Communicate ideas using figurative language to express universal themes and evaluative language to make informed judgements about texts.
- Develop skills in metalanguage, grammar, syntax.
- Respond to texts to see the world differently, challenge assumptions, ignite new ideas and reflect personally.

Most of those points are what you would have been working on through years of studying literature. You will see how it relates to the Advanced module in Yr 11: Narratives that Shape our World, and Module A in Yr 12 Standard: Language, Identity and Culture.

The point you may not have thought much about yet is the role of storytelling through time. That is a big topic. That idea has been explored through science (neurology), philosophy, politics, psychology, mythology, religion, theatre, art, architecture, dance and music. You can use any prism that makes sense to you and apply it in this module. You might want to review my post on Core Principles: From orality to literacy, as well as finding other resources according to your interests. You have the whole internet to help you, but if you are stuck I can recommend some books and articles. Ask in the Comments.

You are required to study a prescribed text and a related text of your own choosing. Your chosen related text is not examined, however it must be included in your assessment task for this module.

Exam paper 1 will cover this module. It is a 90 mins exam with 10 mins reading time. There are two sections. Section I asks you to respond to unseen texts. Section II asks you to respond to your prescribed text. It may include stimulus material or an unseen text as related.

For the rubric in full see here https://syllabus.nesa.nsw.edu.au/assets/english_advanced/english-advanced-stage-6-syllabus-2017.pdf