Study Guide Home

Emma & Clueless

• Introduction
• Form of
  acknowledgements
• Syllabus
• The 'works'
• Ideas on
  Transformation
• Clueless overview
• Questionnaire
• Resources

Pride & Prejudice

• Syllabus
• The society
• Resources

Contributors

Jane Austen Society of Australia: Study Guide 

The Individual and Society - syllabus requirements

The syllabus requires that three texts be studied in this module. We are concerned here with the study of Pride & Prejudice, as presented in the BBC video in 1995.

The Board of Studies words these requirements as follows:

English Extension 1
Module B: Texts and Ways of Thinking

This module requires students to explore and evaluate a selection of texts relating to a particular historical period. It develops their understanding of the ways in which scientific, religious, philosophical or economic paradigms have shaped and are reflected in literature and other texts.

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. Students develop a range of imaginative, interpretive and analytical compositions, including some which explore the effects of particular paradigms 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.

Elective 1: The Individual and Society

The concept of the individual appears to suggest difference, autonomy and independence from social institutions. In their responding and composing, students explore the position of individuals within social institutions, the conflict between the individual’s sense of self and social convention, and the individual as an agent for self-determination.

In this elective students are required to study at least three prescribed texts as well as other texts of their own choosing relating to this paradigm.

Media

• Langton, Simon, Pride and Prejudice, ABC, 1995.

Prose Fiction

• James, Henry, The Portrait of a Lady, Penguin, 1984
• Gaskell, Elizabeth, North and South, Penguin, 1996

Drama

• Ibsen, Henrik, A Doll’s House, Cambridge University Press, 1995

Poetry

• Browning, Robert, Browning: Selected Poems, Penguin, 1954
• ‘Meeting at Night’, ‘Parting at Morning’, ‘My Last Duchess’, ‘The Laboratory’,
• ‘Porphyria’s Lover’, ‘The Bishop Orders his Tomb at Saint Praxed’s Church’, ‘Andrea del Sarto’