Students consider the ways in which genres are adapted to different times and cultures and the attitudes and values reflected by these adaptations. They examine why genres arise at particular times and the social and cultural conditions that are conducive to their endurance or recurrence in popularity. Students consider the reasons for and validity of generic distinctions.

There are three electives for this topic- Crime Fiction, Revenge Tragedy and The Essay, students must also explore and integrate this unit with texts of their own choosing.

Each elective in this module involves the study of at least two print texts, relating to a particular historical period, that demonstrate the influence of particular ways of thinking on literary and other texts. In addition, students explore, analyse and critically evaluate a range of other texts that reflect these ideas.

Students explore the ways that values are inscribed in particular texts and how they are reflected by texts. They consider whether and why texts are valued in their own time. They also consider why and by whom those texts are valued today. The electives for this unit are Individual and the Society, Postmodernism and Retreat from the Global.

Students examine language modes, media of communication, forms and features, and structures of texts. They consider such notions and processes as symbolic representation and metaphor, convention, subversion and appropriation, composing and responding. They describe, analyse and evaluate influences on language change and the valuing that occurs in and through language.

Students develop a range of imaginative, interpretive and analytical compositions including some that explore the effects of language variation for a range of audiences. These compositions may be realised in various forms, modes and media. Students investigate topics and ideas, engage in independent learning activities and develop skills in extended composition.