Horror Genre Introduction

Lesson Duration

80 minutes

Class Details

Level: 2 and 3
Subject: Media Studies
Grade: Years 12-13
Number of Students: 18

NCEA Curriculum Alignment:

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum standards for Level 2 and Level 3 Media Studies, specifically focusing on understanding media forms, media texts, and media contexts as outlined in the achievement standards for media studies (AS91251, AS91493).

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand key conventions and themes in the horror genre.
2. Analyse the anticipation grid themes relative to 'The Blair Witch Project.'
3. Prepare for an in-depth viewing of 'The Blair Witch Project' through previewing activities.

Materials Needed:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector
• Copies of anticipation grids for each student
• Extracts or summaries of relevant horror films (if needed)
• 'The Blair Witch Project' DVD or streaming access

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Introduction:

   • Greet students and briefly introduce the focus of the lesson: revisiting the horror genre to prepare for watching 'The Blair Witch Project.'
   • Explain the learning objectives for the session.

2. Class Discussion:

   • Ask students to brainstorm common elements and conventions of the horror genre.
   • Write responses on the whiteboard.
   • Highlight key concepts such as fear, suspense, supernatural elements, and psychological horror.

Previewing Activities and Anticipation Grid (30 minutes)

1. Previewing Activity:

   • Provide a brief synopsis of 'The Blair Witch Project' without revealing critical plot points.
   • Discuss the film's historical context in the horror genre and its impact (e.g., found footage style, marketing strategy).

2. Anticipation Grid Introduction:

   • Distribute anticipation grids to each student.
   • Define key themes of the film such as fear of the unknown, isolation, and unreliable narratives.
   • Explain how students will use the grid to jot down their predictions and thoughts about these themes as they relate to the conventions of horror.

3. Group Work:

   • Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students each).
   • Have each group discuss the themes listed on the anticipation grid and come up with examples from other horror films or media that fit these themes.
   • Ask students to note down their group's predictions and examples on the grid.

Whole Class Activity (20 minutes)

1. Group Presentations and Discussion:
   • Have each group present their findings and predictions to the class.
   • Facilitate a discussion on how these themes might play out in 'The Blair Witch Project.'
   • Encourage students to consider how the film might challenge or adhere to traditional horror conventions.

Film Viewing (20 minutes)

1. Introduction to the Film:

   • Briefly introduce the film to be viewed.
   • Emphasise that students should keep an eye on how the themes they discussed are portrayed in the movie.
   • Encourage students to jot down notes on their anticipation grids during the viewing.

2. Commence Viewing:

   • Start watching 'The Blair Witch Project.' Given the lesson duration, aim to watch the initial 20 minutes, focusing on setting, character introduction, and the establishment of film techniques that contribute to the horror atmosphere.

Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

1. Class Reflection:

   • Pause the film and ask students to reflect on the themes they observed during the initial viewing.
   • Briefly discuss initial impressions and how these align with their earlier predictions on the anticipation grid.

2. Next Steps:

   • Explain that in the next lesson, they will continue to watch the film and further explore how the identified horror themes and conventions are presented.
   • Encourage students to review their notes and be prepared for an in-depth analysis in future classes.

Assessment:

• Informal assessment through group presentations and class discussion.
• Anticipation grids will be collected and reviewed to gauge students' understanding and engagement with the themes.

This plan aims to engage students with the horror genre contextually and critically, preparing them for a film study that will deepen their appreciation and analytical skills in Media Studies. By incorporating anticipation grids and interactive activities, students are encouraged to actively participate and reflect on their learning.