This is everything you need to understand the HSC Common Module: Texts & Human Experiences

Yup! You need to know your syllabus terms - for this English module AND for every module that comes after it.

Tune into the podcast episode above, and follow along with the notes below!

Individual Experiences

Individual experiences are personal, unique situations encountered by a single person that are:

• Subjective and deeply personal

• Not shared simultaneously by others

• Shaped by personal perception, emotions, and context

• Specific to one's own life journey

Collective Human Experiences

Collective human experiences are shared situations encountered by groups,

communities, or entire populations that are:

• Simultaneously or similarly experienced by many people

• Transcending individual boundaries

• Creating a sense of shared understanding or connection

• Often defining cultural, generational, or societal moments

Both types of experiences contribute to individual and societal growth, understanding,

and interconnectedness.

Human Qualities

Human qualities are enduring characteristics or traits that define an individual's

personality, behavior, and interactions with others. These qualities often include:

• Kindness

• Integrity

• Patience

• Courage

• Empathy

• Resilience

• Creativity

• Honesty

The Interconnection between Human Qualities & Emotions

Emotions often give rise to or influence the expression of human qualities.

Here are some more examples to help you better understand this connection:

1. Emotion: Compassion → Quality: Kindness
   When someone frequently feels compassion, they may be perceived as a kind person.

2. Emotion: Enthusiasm → Quality: Energetic
   Regular displays of enthusiasm might lead to someone being described as an energetic individual.

3. Emotion: Calm → Quality: Composed
   A person who often feels calm may be seen as composed or level-headed.

4. Emotion: Curiosity → Quality: Inquisitive
   Frequent curiosity can result in someone being known for their inquisitive nature.

5. Emotion: Determination → Quality: Perseverant
   Consistent feelings of determination might lead to a reputation for perseverance.

Anomalies & Inconsistencies

Anomalies and inconsistencies refer to deviations from the expected norm or pattern.

In human behavior and societal contexts, these can manifest as:

• Behaviors that contradict social norms

• Unexpected outcomes in typical situations

• Statistical outliers in data sets

• Unusual phenomena that challenge existing theories

Paradoxes

Paradoxes are seemingly contradictory statements or situations that may nonetheless be true. They often reveal complex truths about human nature and the world. Some classic paradoxes include:

1. The Tolerance Paradox: Should a tolerant society tolerate intolerance?

2. The Paradox of Choice: More options can lead to less satisfaction and decision paralysis

3. The Paradox of Thrift: Individual saving is good, but if everyone saves, it can harm the economy

4. The Societal Paradox: As a society we seek peace - though we endure conflict in the process of attaining that peace

Human Behaviours & Motivations

Human behaviours are observable actions and reactions that demonstrate how individuals respond to various situations, stimuli, and environmental contexts.

Types of Behaviours:

• Conscious/Unconscious behaviours, i.e. deliberate actions or automatic responses

• Learned/Adaptive behaviours

• Reactive/Proactive behaviours

Behaviours can be influenced by emotions, shaped by personal experiences, impacted by cultural background, driven by internal and external factors, and can be modified through learning

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Motivations are internal psychological drivers that initiate and guide human actions, provide direction and purpose, usually stem from personal needs and desires.

There are many different categories of motivations, say for example:

1. Physiological Motivations - like your survival needs, basic human requirements, and food/shelter/safety

2. Psychological Motivations - like self actualisation, personal growth, recognition, and emotional fulfilment

3. Social Motivations - like belonging, connection, acceptane, and social status

4. Intrinsic Motivations - like personal satisfaction, internal rewards, and genuine interest

5. Extrinsic Motivations - like external rewards, financial gains and social recognition

Behaviours are the external manifestation of internal motivations and reflect underlying psychological needs. Motivations on the other hand trigger specific behaviors

ontinuous interaction between internal drives and external actions. Understanding the interconnectedness of human behaviours and motivations helps us decode human complexity and the individual decision-making process.

When you’re learning about your prescribed texts, make sure to note down the motivation-behaviour relationships that inevitably arise - this can help you better understand the human psyche and ultimately, the human condition.

Take a look at this small example of motivation-behaviour relationships: if you have a friend who is interested in advancing their career, they will likely make an effort to engage in continuous learning, networking opportunities, undertake professional development, and plan their careers strategically!

Impact of Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool for unleashing creativity, especially among young learners. Certainly it:

• Enhances language and vocabulary development

• Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Fosters empathy and emotional intelligence

• Improves listening and communication skills

• Boosts confidence and self-expression

By encouraging individuals to create their own stories, we empower them to explore their imagination and develop their unique voice

Stories are also vehicles for transmitting cultural values, beliefs, and traditions from one generation to the next. They preserve traditions by:

• Break down barriers of language, culture, and experience

• Create emotional connections with audiences

• Help people identify with brands, ideas, or cultural concepts

Storytelling fosters deeper connections between individuals and communities by:

• Engaging audiences on an emotional level

• Allowing for personal interpretation and relatability

• Transcending boundaries and resonating across diverse groups

In the modern world, storytelling continues to evolve with technology, offering new avenues for creative expression:

• Digital storytelling combines traditional narrative techniques with multimedia elements

• Visual storytelling leverages images, design, and technology to create powerful narratives

By embracing these new forms of storytelling, we ensure that the art of narrative continues to thrive and adapt to changing times while maintaining its core purpose of connecting people and preserving cultural heritage.

Quick side-note: For the syllabus terms 'challenging assumptions/igniting new ideas/reflecting personally' - see episode 2!

Context

Context is the background information surrounding a text. It can be broken down into several categories:

Author's Context

• Personal experiences

• Cultural background

• Historical events of their time

• Social and political climate

• Literary influences

Purpose

The purpose is the author's intention or goal in writing the text. This can include:

1. To entertain

2. To inform or educate

3. To persuade or argue a point

4. To inspire or motivate

5. To criticise or satirise

6. To explore complex themes or ideas

7. To evoke emotional responses

Structure

Structure is another crucial element in analysing texts. It refers to how the text is organised and presented. This can include:

• Narrative structure (e.g., linear, non-linear, frame narrative)

• Use of headings, subheadings, or chapters for organisation

• Use of literary devices (e.g., foreshadowing, flashbacks)

• Point of view (first-person, third-person, omniscient)

• Sentence structure (simple, compound, complex)

Understanding these elements - context, purpose, and structure - allows for a more comprehensive analysis of a text, helping readers to grasp not just what is being said, but why and how it's being conveyed.

Stylistic & Grammatical Features + Language Register

In your studies, you need to identify the unique choices an author makes to convey their message through their text. These are known as techniques and include:

Stylistic Features

• Tone (formal, informal, humorous, serious)

• Imagery and descriptive language

• Figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification)

• Rhetorical devices (repetition, alliteration, hyperbole)

• Dialogue use and style

Grammatical Features

• Person (first, second, or third person narration)

• Tense (past, present, future, or a mix)

• Voice (active or passive)

• Sentence types (declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory)

• Use of punctuation for effect

Language Register

The level of formality in the language used by the authors - is the text expressed in a colloquial or sophisticated manner?

1. Colloquial: Informal, conversational language
   Example: "Hey, what's up? This book's pretty cool, right?"

2. Casual: Relaxed but not overly informal
   Example: "I found this book quite interesting."

3. Formal: Professional, academic language
   Example: "Upon analysis, this text presents a compelling argument."

4. Sophisticated: Highly formal, often using complex vocabulary
   Example: "The author's nuanced approach to the subject matter evinces a profound understanding of its complexities."

Identifying these elements helps in understanding the author's intended audience, the purpose of the text and the overall effect and impact of the writing

See more about techniques in our techniques section and in the shop!

Note: for the related text component in the syllabus, you’re expected to find a text that is not within the prescribed text list on the nesa website and make a link between the related text and the prescribed text you're learning in class.

Here’s a link to some of my favourite related texts!

Examples of individual experiences include:

• A personal moment of profound realisation

• A unique childhood memory

• An individual's first heartbreak

• A private achievement or personal challenge overcome

• A solitary moment of spiritual or emotional revelation

Examples of collective human experiences include:

• Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic

• Shared cultural celebrations or traditions

• Widespread social or historical movements (e.g., moon landing, digital revolution)

• Collective responses to major historical events

• Universal human emotions like love, grief, or hope

Human Emotions

Human emotions are temporary, internal reactions to situations, experiences, or thoughts. Some basic emotions include:

• Happiness

• Sadness

• Anger

• Fear

• Surprise

• Disgust

This interconnection highlights how our emotional experiences can shape our long-term behavior and others' perceptions of us, ultimately influencing the qualities we're known for.

Some examples of anomalies or inconsistencies are:

• A person who thrives on minimal sleep (e.g., 4 hours a night)

• A child prodigy excelling in a field beyond their years

• A society where tipping is considered offensive

Historical Context

• Time period in which the text was written

• Major events or movements of that era

• Prevailing social norms and values

Cultural Context

• Societal beliefs and practices

• Cultural traditions and customs

• Artistic and literary trends

Examples:

• Cautionary tale: Warning the audience about potential dangers or consequences

• Creating an alternate reality: Allowing readers to experience different perspectives or possibilities