By Dr Augustine Tirivangana

AS I promised last week we now move on to the rest of the Advanced Level Literature in English texts.
But before we delve deep into analysis of specific texts I need to acquaint you with the syllabus itself.
This will help you and your school to know whether you are doing the right texts.
It will also acquaint you with syllabus objectives and to dovetail these with examinations expectations.
Below is a verbatim copy of the skills expected by the syllabus, the syllabus objectives and the set texts for the various papers:
1.0. PREAMBLE
This is a two-year course syllabus which views Literature as, among other things, an ideological tool which is used to create self-awareness.
The tests offered capture the experiences of Zimbabweans, Africans and other peoples of the world.
However, since ideologies are temporary and skills are permanent, the syllabus endeavours to develop life-long skills of appreciating Literature and Literary works.
For this reason, the Comment and Appreciation Paper has been made compulsory.
2.0. AIMS
To develop/cultivate/encourage in students:
2.1 An appreciation of, and an informed personal response, to Literature in English in a variety of texts in different genres and form different historical periods and cultures;
2.2 The interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication by showing the ability to:- 2.2.1 understand and respond to explicit values and implicit attitudes and meanings in texts; 2.2.2 describe and comment on form, structure and language in relation to meaning;
2.2.3 Effectively and clearly convey their understanding of, response to and evaluation of literary texts; 2.3 an understanding of the nature and methods of literary study, demonstrating that literary works may be differently interpreted and valued.
2.4 Wider reading and an understanding of how it may contribute to personal development.
3.0 ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
Candidates will be required to show their ability to:
3.1 respond critically to texts and passages of different types and periods;
3.2 understand the ways in which writers’ choices of form, structure and language shape meaning;
3.3 appreciate the contexts in which literary works are written and understood;
3.4 discuss personal and other critical interpretations of literary texts;
3.5 produce knowledgeable, independent opinions and judgements on literary texts; 3.6 communicate clearly and effectively the knowledge, understanding and insight appropriate to literary study.
NB: Candidates will be required to show the ability to organise and present information ideas, descriptions and arguments clearly and logically, taking into account the correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling. In all papers continuous prose answers are required, unless otherwise specified. Marks awarded will take into account the quality of language used by the candidates.