Course Profile   English (ENG4U), Grade 12, University Preparation, Public

 

Unit 3:  Telling the Story

Time:  29 hours

 

Activity 3.1 | Activity 3.2 | Activity 3.3 | Activity 3.4 | Activity 3.5

 

Unit Description

Students investigate how story telling is grounded in the family unit. The focus is in the study/viewing of a play such as Hamlet as well as on the literary study of non-fiction stories and the essay. Students read and analyse a variety of essays, reviews, editorials, biographies, and other forms of non-fiction. The culminating activity consists of an argumentative essay, a media work, and a report. As in Units 1 and 2, students continue to examine issues and themes, but also use these activities to provide practice and feedback for the written and oral components in Unit 4.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Literature Studies and Reading, Writing, Language, Media Studies

Unit Synopsis Chart

K/U – Knowledge/Understanding      T/I – Thinking/Inquiry       C – Communication      A – Application

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Tasks

3.1
Constructing Reality

 

8 hours

LSV.01, LSV.02, WRV.02, MDV.01, MD1.01, MD1.02, LS1.01, LS1.02, LS2.01, LS2.03, WR2.02, LAV.02, LA2.01, LA2.02

K/U, T/I

Review of the construction of the narrative form
Viewing and study of a play with examination of representation of family
Focus on becoming critical viewers by identifying the various filters through which they view the story and how each character interprets the truth
Comparison of the story and the essay form. Review and identification of rhetorical devices
Examination of the argumentative essay as a construction
Development of an argument in a five-paragraph essay

3.2
The Tools of Construction

 

5 hours

MDV.01, MDV.02, MD1.02, MD2.02, LSV.01, LSV.02, LS1.01, LS2.01, WRV.02, WRV.03, WR2.01, WR2.02, WR3.02, LAV.01, LA1.03

K/U, T/I,
C, A

Discussion of visualization of a story. Viewing and comparing productions of the same scene (artistry, product value of production roles)
Deconstruction for voice
Identification of persuasive techniques used in movie reviews
Development of thesis questions
Identification of the techniques and practices of the argumentative essay

3.3
Ownership

 

4 hours

LSV.01, LSV.02, LSV.03, LS1.01, LS1.02, LS1.04, LS1.05, LS2.01, LS2.03, LS3.01, LS3.03, MDV.01, MD1.04, MD1.05

K/U, T/I,
C, A

 

Checklist
Anecdotal Comments

Identification of target audiences and how the audience negotiates meaning in response to the construction
Identification of the family as a target market
Research on period of play that was viewed
Representation of culture of period as presented in play
Identification of psychological techniques used to promote point of view
Development of thesis statement from thesis questions

3.4
Your Reality

 

7 hours

MDV.01, MD1.04, MD1.05, LSV.01, LSV.02 LSV.03, LS1.01, LS1.02, LS1.04, LS1.05, LS2.01, LS2.03, LS3.01, LS3.03

K/U, T/I,
C, A

 

Checklist for Essay

Discussion of the factors that contribute to Maslow’s hierarchy
Identification of internal and external transformations with discussion of the influence of modern media
Development of media work
Identification of media’s reality of family
Review of persuasive techniques in essay writing
Development of a five-paragraph essay.

3.5
What is the Truth?

 

5 hours

LAV.01, LAV.02, LSV.01, WRV.01, WRV.02, WRV.03, WRV.04, WRV.05, MDV.01, MDV.02, MD2.02

K/U, T/I
C, A

 

Rubric for Media Work (See Unit 4) Rubric for Essay

Selections, in small groups, of a character from the play
Identification of the various points of view
Selection by individual students of an identified point of view and the development of the truth of the story
Representation of story in a media work
Thesis: Is there one truth in every story?
Submission of argumentative essay, with evidence of writing process.

 

Activity 3.1:  Constructing Reality

Time:  8 hours

Description

Students review the construction of narrative form, reflecting on the choices the author makes and the effect that these choices have on the delivery of the message. The students view a Shakespearean or other play in the context of the family unit and how each character interprets the events of the play as their ‘truth’. Students may experience the play brought to life on screen, without a detailed scene-by-scene reading, by concentrating on selected characters brought together by the common theme of family. Students respond using the method of deconstruction outlined in the structure of the activities in the unit, developing their skills for media viewing. Students also read selected essays to identify devices and techniques used to persuade the reader. Students write an opinion paragraph stating which family member best perceives the truth.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Literature Studies and Reading, Writing, Language, Media Studies

Overall Expectations

LSV.01 - read and demonstrate an understanding of complex texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures, with an emphasis on analysing and assessing ideas, themes, concepts and arguments;

LSV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction, with an emphasis on plays and essays;

WRV.02 - select and use writing forms suited to various purposes and audiences, with an emphasis on analytic and argumentative essays and narratives or dramatic scenes;

LAV.02 - use listening techniques and oral communication skills to participate in classroom discussions and more formal activities, with a focus on using academic language appropriately in seminars and presentations of independent study projects;

MDV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media, media theories, and media industry practices by analysing representations, forms, and techniques in media works and assessing their implications for individuals and society.

Specific Expectations

LS1.01 - analyse and assess ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments in print and electronic texts;

LS1.02 - select and use significant and compelling evidence from texts to support critical analyses;

LS1.03 - select and use a range of effective reading strategies;

LS2.01 - analyse and assess how key elements of challenging plays and essays reinforce the works, themes and ideas (intensive study);

LS2.03 - analyse and assess how elements of demanding non-fiction texts influence their meaning;

WR2.02 - select and use an appropriate form to produce written work for an intended audience and purpose;

LA2.01 - communicate orally in large and small groups for a variety of purposes, with a focus on challenging and extending the ideas of others; using academic and theoretical concepts and language; and discussing the coherence, relevance, strengths, and weaknesses of ideas and arguments;

LA2.02 - communicate orally in group discussions, applying such skills as the following: leading and contributing to productive discussions; suggesting possibilities and selecting directions within the group; generating ideas; contributing information; connecting ideas and arguments to other knowledge; making inferences; assessing the process used to reach conclusions; and fulfilling roles and completing tasks as required to produce presentations and products of high academic quality;

MD1.01 - use critical thinking skills to identify bias and to analyse the differences between explicit and implicit messages in media works;

MD1.02 - explain how representation, form, style, and techniques in media works convey messages with social, ideological, and political implications.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Knowledge of construction of narrative form

·         An awareness of the difference in purpose and structure of fiction and non-fiction

·         Knowledge of the use of a response journal

·         Knowledge of media techniques and practices

Planning Notes

·         Students are to keep a Response Journal throughout this unit. This journal is a place for writing about issues and ideas raised in the unit. Students may expect anecdotal responses to their writing from the teacher.

·         The teacher provides a selection of essays.

·         The teacher provides a list of quotable quotes from Hamlet.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

3.1.1     The teacher facilitates a brief discussion to review the elements of the construction of narrative. Students may refer to plays, novels, and stories studied in Units 1 and 2. The teacher asks students to compare and contrast storytelling in a modern, electronic, global world of technology and ask students to speculate on the future of storytelling in the 21st century.

3.1.2     The teacher leads a discussion on the portrayal of the family unit in literature, film, media and television comparing and contrasting the changing profile of the family values and structure.

3.1.3     The students view a Shakespearean play such as Hamlet, with an emphasis on the family unit and how each character interprets the events of the play as their ‘truth’.

3.1.4     Students identify the major family units in the play and develop a family tree to illustrate the relationships among the family members. The focus of the study of the play will be on the family members and the examination of how they deal with crises affecting the family. Students also compare and contrast how the roles of a stereotypical nuclear family are fulfilled in the play. Students in small groups discuss these stereotypical roles.

3.1.5     Students examine the constructed reality of the play and analyse how each character translates this reality into his/her own and how this reality influences the final outcome for each character. The students write Journal Response reflection on the importance of the family unit to society.

3.1.6     Students examine the following themes in the play: generation gap, parental advice, ideas about marriage, advising a younger brother or sister about romance, following the advice of an elder, being embarrassed by family, right of parents to check up on children. Students identify quotable quotes from a play such as Hamlet based on the identified themes and apply them to modern social context in an advertisement. (“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” “Neither a borrower or a lender be.” “To thine own self be true.”)

3.1.7     Students discuss the purpose of an essay as a form of writing. (Essays are stories meant to sell a point of view. Stories move us to feel and create personal images about our world and ourselves and to connect us to a diverse world. Essays try to shape our point of view about how the world works and what is important.)

3.1.8     Students identify methods writers use to develop essays and to support a thesis studying selected essays on family and on media. (e.g., Methods: rhetorical questions, reference to authority, statistics, comparison/contrast, etc.)

3.1.9     Students respond in their Response Journals to the following: In what way does an essay tell a story? The teacher collects completed responses for formative assessment.

3.1.10   Students write an opinion paragraph stating which family member best perceives the truth using specific references to the play.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Task

Tool

Achievement Chart Categories

Small group discussion

Checklist

Knowledge/Understanding,
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Journal Response

Anecdotal Comment

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Opinion Paragraph

Rating Scale

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Resources

Essays: Family

Brown, Christy. “M-O-T-H-E-R.” Dimensions II. edited by Glen Kirkland and Richard Davies. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7715-6856-8

Callwood, June. “A Village Childhood.” Dimensions II. edited by Glen Kirkland and Richard Davies. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7715-6856-8

Jacox, Dave. “The Day the Old Man Melted.” Dimensions II. edited by Glen Kirkland and Richard Davies. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7715-6856-8

Kalman, Judith. “Flight”. Dimensions II. edited by Glen Kirkland and Richard Davies. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7715-6856-8

Kleiman, Carol. “My Home Is Not Broken, It Works.” Thought and Style. edited by Brian Kellow and John Krisak. Scarborough: Prentice-Hall, 1987. ISBN 0-13-283573-8

Laurence, Margaret. “Where the World Began.” Thought and Style. edited by Brian Kellow and John Krisak. Scarborough: Prentice-Hall, 1987. ISBN 0-13-283573-8

Porter, Katherine Anne. “Marriage is Belonging.” Thought and Style. edited by Brian Kellow and John Krisak. Scarborough: Prentice-Hal, 1987. ISBN 0-13-283573-8

Quindlen, Anna. “Married.” Dimensions II. edited by Glen Kirkland and Richard Davies. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7715-6856-8

Schultz, Kevin. “Adopted Son Finds Kinship With Daughter.” Dimensions II. edited by Glen Kirkland and Richard Davies. Toronto: Gage Educational Publishing, 1996. ISBN 0-7715-6856-8

Syfers, Judy. “Why I Want a Wife”. Thought and Style. edited by Brian Kellow and John Krisak. Scarborough: Prentice-Hall, 1987. ISBN 0-13-283573-8

Essays: Media

Duncan, Barry, et al., “What Are the Mass Media and Popular Culture?” in Duncan, Barry, et al., Mass Media and Popular Culture. Toronto: Harcourt Brace, 1996. ISBN 0-7747-0170-6

Greer, Sandy, “The Distorted Mirror” in Worsnop, Chris, edited by Popular Culture. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1994. ISBN 0-07-551454-0

Ingram, Roy, and Steve Kennedy, Media Focus: The News. Toronto: Copp Clark Pitman, 1989.
ISBN 0-7730-4973-8.

Levin, Sandy, Media Focus: Advertising. Toronto: Copp Clark Pitman, 1991. ISBN 0-7730-4975-4

Suzuki, David, “Television's Electronic Curse: Views of World are Distorted” in Duncan, Barry, et al., Mass Media and Popular Culture. Toronto: Harcourt Brace, 1988. ISBN 0-7747-0170-6

Worsnop, Chris, “The Camera Always Lies” in Worsnop, Chris, Popular Culture. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1994. ISBN 0-07-551454-0

Appendix 3.1.1 – The Essay: Purpose and Methods

 

Find an example of each of the following devices and techniques and explain how each supports the thesis:

·         rhetorical question

·         examples

·         quotations

·         reference to authority

·         contrast

 

Activity 3.2:  The Tools of Construction

Time:  5 hours

Description

Students read excerpts from the play viewed in Activity 3.1. Students investigate the different tools used to move from written form, to live performance, to film presentation. This comparison provides the opportunity to identify the role of the reader/viewer/director and to discuss the tools of construction. Students complete a chart comparing the various elements of construction for each medium. Students study selected reviews and analyse the techniques used to present the reviewer’s point of view. Students write a movie review. Students begin the argumentative essay outline by formulating theses questions.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Literature Studies and Reading, Writing, Language, Media Studies

Overall Expectations

LSV.01 - read and demonstrate an understanding of complex texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures, with an emphasis on analysing and assessing ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments;

LSV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction, with an emphasis on plays and essays;

WRV.02 - select and use writing forms suited to various purposes and audiences, with an emphasis on analytic and argumentative essays and narratives or dramatic scenes;

WRV.03 - use a range of organizational structures and patterns to produce unified, coherent, and effective written work;

LAV.01 - use knowledge of recent developments in the English language, vocabulary and language structures, and the conventions of standard Canadian English to read, write, and speak effectively;

MDV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media, media theories, and media industry practices by analysing representations, forms, and techniques in media works and assessing their implications for individuals and society;

MDV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the relationships among form, content, purpose, audience, and production techniques by designing or creating media works, independently and collaboratively, based on ideas, themes, and issues examined in this course, and assessing their effectiveness.

Specific Expectations

LS1.01 - analyse and assess ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments in print and electronic texts;

LS1.02 - select and use significant and compelling evidence from texts to support critical analyses;

LS1.03 - select and use a range of effective reading strategies;

LS2.01 - analyse and assess how key elements of challenging plays and essays reinforce the works’ themes and ideas (intensive study);

WR2.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the uses and conventions of various forms by writing analytic and argumentative essays, critical reviews, expressive works such as narratives or dramatic scenes, and an independent research essay or report;

WR2.02 - select and use an appropriate form to produce written work for an intended audience and purpose;

WR3.02 - select and use appropriate organizational devices and patterns to structure creative works and multimedia presentations;

LA1.03 - select appropriate academic and technical language and use it with precision in oral and written work;

MD1.02 - explain how representation, form, style, and techniques in media works convey messages with social, ideological, and political implications;

MD2.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the relationships among form, content, purpose, audience, and production options in their creations; assess the effectiveness of the works; and evaluate the choices made during the production process.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Knowledge of narrative techniques

·         Knowledge of dramatic techniques

·         Knowledge of essay structure

·         Knowledge of response writing

·         Knowledge of research skills

·         Knowledge of paragraph structure

·         Knowledge of the elements of essay writing

·         Knowledge of media techniques and practices

Planning Notes

·         The teacher provides student copies of script.

·         The teacher finds different reviews of the film versions of play.

·         The teacher provides handout: Appendix 3.2.1 – Deconstruction for Voice:

Teaching/Learning Strategies

3.2.1     Students discuss the visualisation process that happens in a reader’s mind during the reading of a story. The teacher provides an excerpt from a script from the play in Activity 3.1. The students review the characters and events prior to the selected scene. Students view this scene in a variety of film versions. The students discuss how this scene was effectively staged and filmed with the use of a comparison chart to identify differences and similarities.

3.2.2     The teacher introduces the concept of the imposition of the director/author’s interpretation, taking into consideration the era in which it was produced. The viewer/reader is less active in negotiating meaning. Students use the comparison chart to identify the director/author’s bias when producing the film.

3.2.3     Students discuss the concept that the medium changes the way a story is told. The teacher indicates that many directors have transformed the selected play into film. The teacher provides excerpts from reviews and director’s reflections for each film version to lead a discussion about the social, ideological and political influences working on each piece. The teacher emphasizes that the objective is to identify whose voice, whose values, and whose reality is really being presented in the film. The teacher provides students with a handout to facilitate discussion surrounding the construction of the film. (Appendix 3.2.1 – Deconstruction for Voice)

3.2.4     Students identify the main idea and supporting points of the review. The teacher discusses techniques of effective organization. Students, as an advocate for privacy in the family, write a review of the film version of the play.

3.2.5     The students investigate the tools of construction as they apply to the writing of an essay. Students practise deconstruction of a selected essay as a class, as outlined in Appendix 3.2.1 – Deconstruction for Voice. Students record their observations. The teacher draws the students’ attention to the parallel between narrative point of view and personal point of view. The teacher emphasizes how each genre uses constructive realities and values to persuade.

3.2.6     Using the tools of construction, students develop a thesis question and create an outline for an argumentative essay based on the question: “Is there one truth to a story?” as presented in the play. A good thesis derives from a good question. Students need to ask thoughtful questions of the topic and primary source material. A thesis is good if the question it answers is significant, complex, and original. A good thesis question can be based on a search for the truth through questioning observation of the primary source e.g., “Was Gertrude involved in King Hamlet’s murder?” or may challenge accepted perceptions; “Was Hamlet really pretending to be mad?”

Assessment and Evaluation of Student Achievement

Task

Tool

Achievement Chart Categories

Comparison Chart

Anecdotal Comments

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Response Journal

Anecdotal Comments

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Thesis Question and Outline

Observation Checklist

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Written Review

Checklist

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Resources

Hamlet and The Lion King: http://www.lionking.org/text/Hamlet-TM.html (student essay)

Texts and Fan-fiction: http://www.lionking.org/text/

Review of 1996 Hamlet: http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/h/hamlet.html

Hamlet Movie Review 2000: http://www.mediacircus.net/hamlet.html

Mel Gibson vs. Kenneth Branagh:
http://www.spectrum.ndsu.nodak.edu/Backissues/1997-1998/1031/A1031hamlet.html


Appendix 3.2.1 – Source Analysis Recorder: Deconstruction for Voice

 

Author:

Title:

Publication Documentation:

Thesis:

Supporting Ideas:

Types of support used:

Conclusion:

References cited:

What evidence of bias exists in the essay?

Whose voice is presented?

What relevant voices are not presented?

Evaluate the credibility and validity of this source as a resource for academic research.

What form(s) of censorship is/are evident in this essay?

 

Activity 3.3:  Ownership

Time:  4 hours

Description

Students identify the target audience as the group to take ownership of the viewpoints presented in selected plays and essays. Students determine how the audience negotiates meaning in response to the construction of the play or essay. Students identify and respond to the techniques used to promote a point of view. Students identify the thesis as the first step in taking ownership of a topic. By developing thesis statements from thesis questions in Activity 3.2, students learn the importance of identifying a point of view in literature. Students complete outline for argumentative essay.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Literature Studies and Reading, Writing, Language, Media Studies

Overall Expectations

LSV.01 - read and demonstrate an understanding of complex texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures, with an emphasis on analysing and assessing ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments;

LSV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction, with an emphasis on plays and essays;

LSV.03 - analyse the elements of style in a variety of texts and assess their effects;

MDV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media, media theories, and media industry practices by analysing representations, forms, and techniques in media works and assessing their implications for individuals and society.

Specific Expectations

LS1.01 - analyse and assess ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments in print and electronic texts;

LS1.02 - select and use significant and compelling evidence from texts to support critical analyses;

LS1.04 - compare values, perspectives, and world views in texts;

LS1.05 - analyse the influence of social, cultural, and economic values and perspectives on the themes and interpretations of texts;

LS2.01 - analyse and assess how key elements of challenging plays and essays reinforce the works’ themes and ideas (intensive study);

LS2.03 - analyse and assess how elements of demanding non-fiction texts influence their meaning;

LS3.01 - analyse how language and syntax are used in texts to create particular effects;

LS3.03 - assess the effect on the reader of authors’ choices of language, syntax, and literary and rhetorical devices by examining their own and others’ interpretations of the style of texts;

MD1.04 - apply key concepts of media theory to analyse specific media works;

MD1.05 - identify and explain the conditions that affect media industry practices governing the production, financing, and distribution of media works.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Knowledge of concepts of voice and values

·         Knowledge of observation and recording skills

Planning Notes

·         The teacher provides sample essays.

·         The teacher provides examples of written and visual narratives.

·         The teacher provides prepared note on oppositional and preferred reading.

·         The teacher prepares a definition of a target audience.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

3.3.1     The teacher provides a note on preferred and oppositional readings with visual and written textual examples. (Preferred Reading: the viewer’s interpretation of the media message agrees with the values and ideology of the dominant groups - the owners and producers of the media. Oppositional Reading: the viewer’s interpretation of the media message disagrees with the dominant view.) Using the selected work, such as Hamlet, students determine whether or not their reading of the work is a “preferred” or “oppositional” reading and explain why. Students also identify to whom the play appeals and why. The students identify reasons and discuss why the play appeals to a specific group and not others. Students identify this group as the “target audience” and develop a definition.

3.3.2     Students identify how the family is used as the target market for literature. Students identify how the enduring qualities of the family are used to target the audience, e.g., comfort, belonging, history, power, love, trust.

3.3.3     Students identify the dominant voice, the theme, the values and target audience in the selected play. Using the work selected above, students research how the values and beliefs of the family expressed reflect political and cultural perspectives of the time period. Students identify the target audience for the play and list supporting details from the play to show ownership of the group. Students identify the source of ownership in the expression of the values of the author’s time period.

3.3.4     Students discuss who has the power and the influence (patrons, royalty, theatre owners, publishers, newspaper owners) to ensure the presentation of the author’s point of view to the target audience.

3.3.5     Students identify the truth in the play for a specific character as an integral member of a family and develop their thesis from their thesis question. Students incorporate research into the essay outline created in 3.2.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Task

Tool

Achievement Chart Categories

Thesis Statements

Anecdotal Comments

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Thesis Statement and Support (Graphic Organizer)

Checklist

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Accommodations

·         The teacher may provide students with public domain samples that have easily observed family.

Resources

Duncan, Barry et al. Mass Media and Popular Culture. Toronto: Harcourt Brace 1996.
ISBN 0-7747-0170-6

www.brocku/ca/commstudies/courses/2f50

 

Activity 3.4:  Your Reality

Time:  7 hours

Description

Students identify the components that create the reality for characters in fiction and non-fiction. By investigating, analysing, and debating the changing nature of the family unit, students analyse the role of family values and interactions as motivators for the actions of the characters in the play and the people in non-fiction. Students research, debate and write an essay.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Literature Studies and Reading, Writing, Language, Media Studies

Overall Expectations

LSV.01 - read and demonstrate an understanding of complex texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures, with an emphasis on analysing and assessing ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments;

LSV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction, with an emphasis on plays and essays;

LSV.03 - analyse the elements of style in a variety of texts and assess their effects;

MDV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media, media theories, and media industry practices by analysing representations, forms, and techniques in media works and assessing their implications for individuals and society.

Specific Expectations

LS1.01 - analyse and assess ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments in print and electronic texts;

LS1.02 - select and use significant and compelling evidence from texts to support critical analyses;

LS1.04 - compare values, perspectives, and world views in texts;

LS1.05 - analyse the influence of social, cultural, and economic values and perspectives on the themes and interpretations of texts;

LS2.01 - analyse and assess how key elements of challenging plays and essays reinforce the works’ themes and ideas (intensive study);

LS2.03 - analyse and assess how elements of demanding non - fiction texts influence their meaning;

LS3.01 - analyse how language and syntax are used in texts to create particular effects;

LS3.03 - assess the effect on the reader of authors’ choices of language, syntax, and literary and rhetorical devices by examining their own and others’ interpretations of the style of texts;

MD1.04 - apply key concepts of media theory to analyse specific media works;

MD1.05 - identify and explain the conditions that affect media industry practices governing the production, financing, and distribution of media works.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Knowledge of narrative forms

·         Knowledge of writing process

·         Knowledge of persuasive writing techniques

Planning Notes

·         The teacher provides resources for narrative topics/issues.

·         The teacher books the necessary computer facilities for the typing of final drafts.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

3.4.1     The teacher introduces Maslow’s Hierarchy and facilitates a student discussion of the factors that contribute to their personal realities. Students describe Hamlet’s personal reality using Maslow’s Hierarchy.

3.4.2     Students discuss the motivation for Hamlet’s transformation (Hamlet Act 2, Sc. ii, l-4-7) and to what extent his transformation (both internal and external) is both successful and convincing (speech, appearance, actions, thoughts and feelings). How is Hamlet’s transformation accepted by the people closest to him? (Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude, Ophelia)

3.4.3     Students determine how it is possible for individuals to transform their inner and outer selves and change the reality of who they are and how others perceive them. How are we influenced by modern media to transform ourselves both internally and externally?

3.4.4     Students discuss the media’s reality of the attributes of how a ‘typical adolescent’ should be in the new millennium. Students create a media work (such as a musical collage, electronic presentation, videotape, photo essay, mock interview, comedy skit, news article) to represent the new millennium adolescent. Students identify the economic, social, political, and cultural forces that determine this profile of the individual.

3.4.5     Students identify the media’s reality of family. Students list the various family units (nuclear, extended, single parent, blended) and discuss the various ways the media has presented the family. Students research the reasons for the variety of ‘realities’ presented.

3.4.6     The teacher reviews persuasive techniques used in essay writing (emotional appeal, celebrity endorsement, bias language, rhetoric, exaggeration, satire). In groups, students examine and present the extent to which their voice is influenced by media as seen in the list provided:

a)   Image of the family in magazines

b)   Depiction of the family in TV shows

c)   Role of the family in Society

d)   Family Stereotypes in literature

3.4.7     Students select persuasive techniques to develop a five-paragraph argumentative essay to address the statement, “You are the constructor of your own reality.” Students write an in-class essay for formative assessment.

3.4.8     Students submit their completed Response Journal for summative evaluation.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Task

Tool

Achievement Chart Categories

Media Work

Checklist

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Response Journal

Rubric

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Persuasive Essay

Checklist

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Accommodations

·         Provide students with access to a word processor and extra time, if necessary.

·         The teacher may allow students to choose a topic of their preference with teacher approval for essay writing.

·         Provide samples of media works if necessary.

Resources

http://7-12educators.about.com/cs/sspsychology/ (brief biography of Abraham Maslow and outline of his theory of hierarchy of needs)

http://www.connect.net/georgen/maslow.htm (brief summary of Maslow’s theories)

 

Activity 3.5:  What is the Truth? (Culminating Activity)

Time:  5 hours

Description

Students working in small groups identify the various possible points of view presented in a story or play such as Hamlet. Students select one of the identified points of view and develop the truth of the story from that perspective. Each student creates a media work to best represent the “truth” of the story as seen from the identified point of view. The class responds in discussion and argumentative essay to the central question: “Is there one truth in every story?”

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Literature Studies and Reading, Writing, Language, Media Studies

Overall Expectations

LSV.01 - read and demonstrate an understanding of complex texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures, with an emphasis on analysing and assessing ideas, themes, concepts, and arguments;

WRV.01 - use a range of print and electronic primary and secondary sources to gather and assess information and ideas and to develop and refine topics for writing;

WRV.02 - select and use writing forms suited to various purposes and audiences, with an emphasis on analytic and argumentative essays and narratives or dramatic scenes;

WRV.03 - use a range of organizational structures and patterns to produce unified, coherent, and effective written work;

WRV.04 - revise their written work, independently and collaboratively, with a focus on sufficient development of content, coherent organization, clear expression, and effective style;

WRV.05 - edit and proofread to produce final drafts, using correctly the grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation conventions of standard Canadian English, as specified for this course, with the support of print and electronic resources when appropriate;

LAV.01 - use knowledge of recent developments in the English language, vocabulary and language structures, and the conventions of standard Canadian English to read, write, and speak effectively;

LAV.02 - use listening techniques and oral communication skills to participate in classroom discussions and more formal activities, with a focus on using academic language appropriately in seminars and presentations of independent study projects;

MDV.01 - demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media, media theories, and media industry practices by analysing representations, forms, and techniques in media works and assessing their implications for individuals and society;

MDV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of the relationships among form, content, purpose, audience, and production techniques by designing or creating media works, independently and collaboratively, based on ideas, themes, and issues examined in this course, and assessing their effectiveness.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Knowledge of the four key media concepts: constructed reality, techniques and practices used; audience; industry ownership; and technical control

·         Knowledge of the interplay among the four key concepts

·         Knowledge of techniques and practices of media tools, e.g., storyboarding, video production, news article writing

·         Knowledge of techniques of argument modeled and taught through the essay component of the unit, e.g., inductive and deductive logic, rhetorical language

·         Knowledge of current events

Planning Notes

·         The teacher will provide examples of a story as represented from various characters showing the range of perspectives on the “truth”.

·         Production values of finished products will vary widely according to student and school resources and previous opportunity to practise. In Media Awareness, it is very important that analysis and not slick production values are the focus of evaluation.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

3.5.1     Teacher assigns students to groups of four or five.

3.5.2     Each group chooses a story to examine from various points of view or selects a main character from the play studied to identify and compare the various “truths” presented in the story.

3.5.3     Each member of the group selects a character and presents the “truth” of the issue from his/her unique point of view.

3.5.4     Each group member develops, for his or her character a media work (such as advertisement, program cover, selection of music for soundtrack, interview with character, costume design, game, toy, shadow box, videotape, promotional material, menu, plan for media release and conference) to present the truth as he or she sees it.

3.5.5     Students write a justification in report form to identify the point of view taken in their media work, which details the exact techniques employed to create the stated bias, e.g., narrative and image selection choices for specific implicit and explicit purposes; editing for juxtaposition; known vs. unknown actors or real people; exact audience targeted and why.

3.5.6     Students present the various points of view to the class to illustrate various versions of the truth. The teacher facilitates a class discussion around the central question, “Is there one truth to a story?” and the ramifications of the various answers given.

3.5.7     Students write an argumentative essay on the topic, “ Is there one truth to a story?” Students write their argumentative essay based on the essay outline developed throughout Unit 3.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Task

Tool

Achievement Chart Categories

Argumentative Essay

Rubric

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Media Work

Rubric

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

 

 

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