What a great introductory lesson!
Overviewed my new comparative module linking '1984' and 'V for Vendetta' as dystopian texts. Class dicussion mapped out the conventions, tropes and motifs of genres in general, moving into the area of sub-genres and what keeps genres popular. Students really got caught up by this and the fact that I refused to define what 'dystopia' meant as the idea was that they were going to define the term themselves instead.
Students were told that they would be shown a compilation clip with accompanying song lyrics using images from three dystopic films. They were to jot down ideas triggered by the images and lyrics. The clip was shown twice and then we brainstormed their ideas.
What was amazing was that they came up with 25 of the major dystopian ideas and were able to substantiate their ideas. They could also prioritised their importance and their impact within the clip. When I then showed a document listing the most typical conventions of dystopian texts, they were pleased to recognise so many of their own ideas.
A simple approach but a goldie which left them keen for where the unit would be going next.
Given that many are admitting that '1984' is heavy going, I will continue with the idea of using 'V for Vendetta' first. I have two excellent doco clips that analyse the film well and will use that before beginning the film itself. With some many affected by excursions of one type or another in the next few days, it is a good way to maximise the effectiveness of the wikispace as they use it to catch up with what they miss.
For your benefit, the two docos can be found on my wikispace, 'V for Vendetta' page and the basic Dystopic genre conventions on the class wikispace. The clip referred to above is called 'The Good Soldier'.
Hope you find it works for you as well as it did for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment