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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. (Reread English Stage 6 Syllabus , p 89)

Introduction to Elective 2: Postmodernism

Postmodernism has arisen within the context of questioning certainties about time and space. It involves the playful challenge of fundamental principles and assumptions about the nature of texts. By highlighting the conventions and clichés of the forms and functions of texts, accepted notions of originality, authorship and the nature of representation are challenged.

In this elective students are required to study at least three of the prescribed texts as well as other texts of their own choosing. In their responding and composing they explore, analyse, experiment with and critically evaluate their prescribed texts and a range of other examples relating to this elective. Texts should be drawn from a range of contexts and media and may support, question or challenge the precepts of postmodernism.

Prose Fiction

· Byatt, A S, Possession, Vintage, 1991, ISBN 0099800403

· Calvino, Italo, If on a winter’s night a traveller, Vintage, 1992, ISBN 0749399236

· Fowles, John, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Vintage, 1997, ISBN 0099737612

Drama

· Williamson, David, Dead White Males, Currency Press, 1995, ISBN 0868194433

Film

· Potter, Sally, Orlando, 21^st Century, 1993 (Educational distributor: Ronin Films)

Specific editions of the set text are listed. Schools, however, may use any suitable edition of the text selected, if the specified edition is unavailable. Where a text is quoted in an examination question it will be from the listed edition.