Exploring and Comparing Themes

By the end of this unit, you will be asked to complete three major annotation projects in relation to Indian No More, a piece of art of your choice, and your own art. At the end of the first unit, you should be able to explore your reflective journals to discuss a theme from the book and find another piece of art that has similar themes. Then you will prepare an annotated version of each piece explaining how you see the similar themes developing in each piece. At the end of the second unit, you will create your own narrative exploring a story not traditionally seen in the media. This piece can explore emotions that connect people of this cultural group but should be an accurate representation based on research or personal experience. For the third unit, you will annotate your own art in comparison to Indian No More. The fourth unit will expect you to prepare a presentation of your art, which you will present at our art show "Lift Every Voice."

Your projects can explore the following questions or you can develop your own question of similar academic and emotional depth.

• What makes up a person's culture? Can it be taken away, and what happens if it is?

• What does it mean to be American? 

• What is the difference between being a victim and a survivor?

• Why is it important for marginalized people to tell their own stories?

Unit 1: Comparative Annotated Art

For Unit 1, in groups or on your own, you will create an annotated comparison between the book and a piece of art of your choice – visual or written — explaining how they share similar themes. You should draw on questions you explored in your reflective journals. Your presentation may take any form you wish but should include annotations that support your answer with text evidence and explanations.

Written annotation of visual art

Video annotation of a poem, short story, or script

Written annotation of music, video, dance

Unit 2: Write a Narrative

For Unit 2, in groups or on your own, you will write a narrative. Your narrative may take any form you choose --- consider a script for a play, documentary, or short film, a children's book, a poem, a short story, or even a piece of art with a narrative attached --- that portrays an underrepresented minority discussed in the book. Remember, this piece can explore emotions that connect people of this cultural group but should not reduce them to that aspect of his/her/their identity. You will then annotate your narrative in comparison to Indian No More, so during writing you should be considering ways you were inspired by the setting, characters, conflicts, or themes of the book. Be sure to look at both slides as the narrative and the comparison will be graded on separate rubrics. Narratives will be published here.

Children's Book: Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

Documentary: "Should I Get It, Should I Not?" by Mercy Lagaaia

Short Film: Empty Bases by Jalmer Caceres

Short Film: Black Santa by Travis Wood

Play: The World of Extreme Happiness by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig

Narrative Art

Narrative Poem

Example Medium: Annotating Visual Art

Example Medium: Annotating Film with Director's Commentary

Unit 3: Highlighting Overlooked Voices

For unit 3, you will research and present a person or cultural concept ignored by history and explain a way the situation can be mediated. Your presentation can take any format you want but should include include research, logical organization, facts for support, and standard grammar practices.

Written Article

Video

Unit 4: Original Work Presentation

At the end of Unit 4, we will hold an art show for our family, friends, and local community members. You will present your narrative or research piece in the format of your choice. Consider the best option for your topic, including but not limited to performance, interview, or audience Q&A. No matter the format, you should present your work with at least two visual aids, speak clearly and eloquently, be able to answer questions about your piece, and be a congenial and respectful presenter and audience member.

Performance Poetry

Film Interview

Visual Art Discussion