13ENGR

Reimaging Society: From Gilead to Barbieland

Course Description


This course explores themes of societal structures, power dynamics, and resistance through the analysis of various literary and cinematic works. Students will engage with narratives that critique totalitarian and oppressive systems, examining how characters navigate and resist their prescribed roles within different societal frameworks.

The course will also investigate contemporary works that offer imaginative perspectives on social norms and individual identity. Through comparative studies, students will explore how these works challenge stereotypes and present alternative visions of society.

Students will:

  • Critically analyse and compare different representations of society and power.

  • Understand and articulate the themes and narrative strategies of various genres.

  • Apply literary and cinematic analysis techniques to a range of works.

  • Engage in thoughtful discussion and debate about the societal implications of the narratives.

Course Overview

Term 1
This term, we’ll dive into the world of film, examining how it portrays society and the roles within it. We’ll explore the film’s depiction of societal norms, power dynamics, and the challenges faced by characters as they navigate these structures. Who holds the power to create change, and how is that power exercised? Through analysis of the film’s narrative and themes, we’ll discuss the role of hope as a catalyst for transformation and how it inspires characters to reimagine their world. Prepare to see film as more than just a fantasy—it’s a reflection on the potential for real change in our own society.

Standard covered:
AS91480: Respond critically to significant aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence
Credits: 3
AS91475: Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops,
sustains, and structures ideas
Credits: 6
AS91473: Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied visual or oral text(s), supported by evidence
Credits: 4

Term 2
This term, we’ll immerse ourselves in the dystopian world of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. We’ll closely examine the character of Offred, analyzing her motivations and actions within the oppressive regime of Gilead. Is Offred a feminist icon resisting her prescribed role, or does she embody the very issues she faces? Through deep textual analysis and discussion, we’ll uncover the complexities of her character and the broader societal implications of her story.

Standard covered:
AS91475: Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops,
sustains, and structures ideas
Credits: 6
AS91479: Develop an informed understanding of literature and/or language using critical texts
Credits: 4
AS91472: Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s), supported by evidence
Credits: 4

Term 3
In Term Three, you’ll take the lead by selecting a film or novel to investigate how research can alter our perceptions of society. We’ll focus on developing your research and writing skills, ensuring you can substantiate your opinions with well-supported evidence. This term offers the opportunity to explore contemporary works that challenge stereotypes, question social norms, and present alternative visions of society through a comparative study.
Standard covered:
AS91479: Develop an informed understanding of literature and/or language using critical texts
Credits: 4
AS91475: Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops,
sustains, and structures ideas
Credits: 6


OPTIONAL
AS91476: Create and deliver a fluent and coherent oral text which develops, sustains, and structures ideas

Term 4
Exam Preparation
AS91473: Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied visual or oral text(s), supported by evidence
Credits: 4
OR
AS91472: Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s), supported by evidence
Credits: 4

OPTIONAL
AS91476: Create and deliver a fluent and coherent oral text which develops, sustains, and structures ideas

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Stationery costs only + travel cost for a non compulsory field trip to Waikato University.

Career Pathways

Assessment Information

As a class, students will select which TWO of 91472, 91473 and 91474 they will complete

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 28 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 12 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 16 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91106 v2
NZQA Info
English 2.9 - Form developed personal responses to independently read texts, supported by evidence
5
5
5
5
5
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91472 v1
NZQA Info
English 3.1 - Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s), supported by evidence
4
4
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91473 v1
NZQA Info
English 3.2 - Respond critically to specified aspect(s) of studied visual or oral text(s), supported by evidence
4
4
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91474 v1
NZQA Info
English 3.3 - Respond critically to significant aspects of unfamiliar written texts through close reading, supported by evidence
4
4
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91475 v1
NZQA Info
English 3.4 - Produce a selection of fluent and coherent writing which develops, sustains, and structures ideas
6
6
6
6
6
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 6w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91476 v1
NZQA Info
English 3.5 - Create and deliver a fluent and coherent oral text which develops, sustains, and structures ideas
3
3
3
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91480 v1
NZQA Info
English 3.9 - Respond critically to significant aspects of visual and/or oral text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: Y
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 28
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 28
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 22
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 24

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.