Concepts
The seven concepts
One way of thinking about the seven defining concepts on the course is to see them as different lenses through which we can look at literary works; while it can be valuable and interesting to look at a text through one lens, it is when we combine lenses that we really start to deepen what we see in literature. These ideas also present the means to make points of connection and comparison between works studied, as well as to facilitate narratives that might take us from one work to another. In other words, alongside the areas of exploration with which they interact, they structure the teaching and learning on the course.
The seven concepts:
Identity
Culture
Creativity
Communication
Perspective
Transformation
Representation
Explanations of these concepts can be found on pages 27 and 28 of the Subject Guide. These concepts have been chosen because "of the central position they occupy in the study of both language and literature."
For ideas about introducing the concepts to students: Introducing the Concepts: an activity
For further thoughts about the significance of this shift to a more explicitly concept-based course: Why a concept-based approach?
Identity
Identity is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection and...
Perspective
Perspective is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection...
Culture
Culture is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection and...
Communication
Communication is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection...
Representation
Representation is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection...
Creativity
Creativity is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection...
Transformation
Transformation is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature Course. Linking to the 3 areas of exploration, these ideas allow students to make points of connection...
Selected Pages
Concepts
Story-truth in 'The Things They Carried'
The Things They Carried First published in 1990,Tim O’Brien’s powerful book based on his experiences as a soldier in...
Concepts
Translation as transformation
"...words may be regarded essentially as vehicles for carrying the components of meaning. In fact the words may be likened...
Concepts
Introducing the Concepts: an activity
It is important to introduce students to the seven concepts early on in the course so that they become familiar with them...
Concepts
Transformation
Transformation in LiteratureTransformation is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature...
Concepts
Creativity
Creativity in LiteratureCreativity is one of 7 concepts that underpin teaching and learning in the English A: Literature...