How to Be Bad
13ENGB Course DescriptionHow to Be Bad
In this course, we'll dive into the minds of villains. We'll explore what drives them, what makes them tick, and why we can't help but love them on the page and screen. You'll look at classic villains from books and movies, as well as some modern-day examples. We'll also think about how villains help us understand big ideas like good and evil, power, and human nature.
If you're curious about the darker side of human nature and love a good story, this course is for you. You'll sharpen your critical thinking skills and learn how to analyse complex characters and texts.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
- Identify and analyse what motivates villains in literature and film.
- Explain the role of villains in society and how they explore deep themes.
- Write a critical analysis of a villain from a book or movie.
- Present your findings to an audience.
Course Overview
Term 1
Ever wondered why people make bad decisions, do terrible things, or even become the "bad guy"? In Term One, we're going to explore villains through the camera lens. We'll dive into how different filmmakers, past and present, portray the psychological motivations behind some of our most iconic villains. Get ready to see your favourite bad guys in a whole new light!
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
We're going to dive into the novel Better the Blood and get inside the mind of a serial killer. We'll explore what drives him to track down those who have "done him wrong" and uncover the motivations behind his actions.
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
This term, you'll get to choose a film or novel to explore how research can change the way we see villains. We'll sharpen our research and writing skills, making sure we can back up our opinions with solid evidence.
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
Career Pathways
Author, Secondary School Teacher, Actor, Copywriter, Journalist, Technical Writer, Editor, Real Estate Agent, Security Analyst, Interpreter, Musician, Early Childhood Teacher, Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Translator, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Youth Worker, Teacher Aide
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryStationery costs only + travel cost for a non-compulsory field trip to Waikato University and DO DAY activities (TBC)