Unit 3
How do our circumstances shape our character?
I love literature. I love fiction. There is something magical about getting lost in pages, about imagining the characters, and dreaming up new worlds. However...as entertaining and magical as these pieces of fiction can be, they also have a powerful purpose.
What do these stories tell us? What can we learn from them? Most importantly...how can these stories shape our characters? In this unit we will focus heavily on dystopian literature (the portrayal of a setting that completely disagrees with the author's ethos.). I think these popular stories have a lot to teach us.
The Handmaid's Tale
Divergent
Brave New World
Fahrenheit 451
Persuasive Appeals
Quick video on Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.
Article on ethos, pathos, logos.
TQE Method
Thoughts, questions, and epiphanies. ANYTIME I assign reading at home, I am expecting you to read, engage, and prepare TQE's for a class discussion the next day.
Dystopian Literature Project
After we have formed our book clubs based on novel of choice, groups will meet on Tuesday and Friday in class to discuss and read together. The last Friday of book club will be used to work on your dystopian literature projects.
The goal of your book club is to read and explore a dystopian novel listed above. Each member must complete this role sheet during your meetings. The following roles must be accounted for each time your group meets:
- Discussion Director: will be responsible for generating at least 3 questions or observations from the reading to generate discussion, keep it going, and keep everyone on task. You will ask the questions, but will receive the input and comments of other group members before giving your own commentary.
- Artful Recorder: will keep record of the discussion. This may include creating an artistic representation of key ideas your group tapped into and will include written summary/notes from your meeting.
- Connector: will make connections between the reading and event of one’s own life, society, or world from the past or present. You will offer your observations and connections and lead others in sharing theirs. You may choose to look up information on the web.
- Literary Luminary: will identify important passages from the reading and will lead discussion surrounding them. You will respond to the passage and lead other group members in responding to your response and to the text.
You will each take turns filling the above roles in your meetings. These are the specific duties of each role, but remember that all members must participate in discussions and inquiries beyond these duties. If you do the reading, you will have plenty of exciting topics to discuss.
MASTERY OPPORTUNITY - Design a book cover for your dystopian society. Your book cover should include pertinent details for your reader, appropriate title, 2 paragraph description (without giving away the story), a review from a peer, and colorful/vivid images that correctly represent your story.
