Exploring the gothic genre 

Overview

This lesson sequence helps students understand the codes and conventions of the gothic genre. In these lessons, students will engage their prior knowledge around the concept of genre before exploring some of the codes and conventions of the gothic. Students will also practise using the Cornell note-taking method to make note of information in texts that explore the history and tropes of the gothic genre.  

During these lessons, students will: 

• develop an understanding of the English Textual Concept ‘genre’ 

• identify and describe codes and conventions of the gothic genre  

• develop their note-taking skills through using the Cornell Note-taking method 

• apply these skills when reading unfamiliar texts 

• reflect on their learning.

These lessons address the following outcomes:  

• EN5-4B: A student effectively transfers knowledge, skills and understanding of language concepts into new and different contexts 

• EN5-6C: A student investigates the relationships between and among texts 

• EN5-9E: A student purposefully reflects on, assesses and adapts their individual and collaborative skills with increasing independence and effectiveness 

Students will revise their knowledge of ‘genre’ through brainstorming examples of different genres and considering the similarities and differences between texts within the same genre. They will also engage in a short writing activity in which they apply their understanding of genre tropes. 

Learning intentions

Students will: 

• identify different genres 

• describe recurring features of different genres 

• define the term ‘genre’. 

Outcome content  

• S506UA5: investigate and describe the recurring features of particular genres, for example westerns or science fiction, focusing on their storylines, iconography, value systems and techniques  

• S504RC4: locate, select, synthesise and creatively use information, ideas and arguments from texts to compose new texts 

The coding for this content point comes from the English Textual Concepts and Learning Processes resources for Stage 5 English – Stage 5. 

Students will explore recurring features of the gothic genre through visual and written texts. Students will be introduced to the Cornell note-taking method. This will assist them with organising their notes in preparation for independent reading on the history, conventions and significant texts of the gothic genre.   

Learning intentions

Students will:

• describe some recurring features of the gothic genre  

• understand the Cornell note-taking method 

• apply the Cornell note-taking method to their notes.  

Outcome content 

• S504RC3: use prediction, speculation, hypothesis and paraphrasing as strategies for accessing complex types of texts with unfamiliar ideas or structures 

• S506UA11: use appropriate metalanguage to identify, describe and explain relationships between and among texts 

• S506UA5: investigate and describe the recurring features of particular genres, for example westerns or science fiction, focusing on their storylines, iconography, value systems and techniques 

The coding for this content point comes from the English Textual Concepts and Learning Processes resources for Stage 5 English – Stage 5. 

Students will extend their understanding of the gothic genre through the refinement of their Cornell note-taking practice. Students will engage with an extended text on the gothic genre and write structured notes that may be drawn upon by the student in future lessons. 

Learning Intentions

Students will:

• use prior knowledge to refine their skills and understanding of the Cornell note-taking method  

• expand their understanding of the codes and conventions of the gothic genre. 

Outcome content 

• S506UA5: investigate and describe the recurring features of particular genres, for example westerns or science fiction, focusing on their storylines, iconography, value systems and techniques 

• S506UA11: use appropriate metalanguage to identify, describe and explain relationships between and among texts 

• S509DA3 understand the learning purposes, specific requirements and targeted outcomes of tasks 

The coding for this content point comes from the English Textual Concepts and Learning Processes resources for Stage 5 English – Stage 5.