Why Study Texts and Traditions?

The study of VCE Texts and Traditions equips students to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between religious traditions and the written texts, which have grown from and shaped those traditions. It encourages independent and critical thinking in students that will assist them in work and further study, and in fields that require critical thinking about, and research, analysis and interpretation of written text.

Structure

The study is made up of four units:

Unit 1: Texts in traditions (offered in Year 10)

Unit 2: Texts in society (not offered at Emmaus)

Unit 3: Texts and the early tradition

Unit 4: Texts and their teachings

Outcomes

Outcomes define what students know and will able to do as a result of undertaking the study.

Unit 3: Texts and the early tradition

In this unit students develop an understanding of how the chosen set text is a response to particular social, cultural, religious, political and historical needs and events. They explore the formation of the text itself, the intended audience of that text and the message or teaching found within the text. As a means of gaining an understanding of the content and message of the text, students become familiar with the nature of exegetical methods begin used today by scholars in the religious tradition of a selected set text.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify and explain sociocultural and historical contexts that influenced the early development of the religious tradition.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss major themes of the set text, and analyse literary structure and other aspects related to the writing of the set text.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply exegetical methods to develop an interpretation of some of the passages for special study, and discuss the nature of exegetical method.

Unit 4: Texts and their teachings

In this unit students apply exegetical methods begun in Unit 3 to greater depth. They study a significant idea, belief or theme contained in the set text, and consider the interpretation of the text in the light of the idea, belief or theme.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply exegetical methods to develop an interpretation of all the passages for special study.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss a significant religious idea, belief or theme in the set text, and analyse and evaluate how related passages from the set text have been interpreted within the tradition at a later stage in the light of the particular idea, belief or theme.

Assessment

Satisfactory completion

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s performance on assessment tasks designated for the unit.

Levels of achievement

Units 1 and 2

Emmaus College students complete graded Assessment Tasks and Semester Examinations as part of the Assessment process for Units 1 and 2.

Units 3 and 4

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority supervises the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4.

Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Texts and Traditions are as follows: