For senior English class, the students' objectives were to apply and identify the key characteristics of Anglo-Saxon elegies to modern day elegies, as seen in most poems and song lyrics. After studying and reviewing characteristics of Anglo-Saxon elegies, students then applied those characteristics to a modern day version of an elegy, the song "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth. Students were asked to highlight words or phrases that express the themes found in Anglo-Saxon elegies. Students then provided their own example of an elegy song and applied the characteristics and themes to their chosen song.

One of the most common arguments that students have when studying ancient English texts is that they do not apply to modern day English. However, themes and characteristics associated with old English texts span throughout time. By comparing and contrasting old texts to modern texts, students can visualize the similarities and differences that modern day poets (artists) use in their work today. All students are aware and listen to many ballad and elegy songs, but are unaware of those songs categorized as such. However, the reason students listen to these songs are because they themselves understand and empathize with the themes, which date back to the old English texts, explored in the songs. With personal connection, students' comprehension and ability to connect with human emotions and experiences are elevated to engage with fellow humans. This encourages and allows students to practice existing and connecting with people in their community, their interactions in the workforce and the people they randomly meet.

During this particular assignment, students responded positively to the interactive portion, as well as applying the themes and characteristics to a song of their choice. They also were eager to share their song and most expanded on why they chose it, which solidified their understanding of Anglo-Saxon elegies to modern day. The practice of using highlighters, underlining, and circling allowed for the students to visualize particular parts of the song that modeled the themes and characteristics that they studied in Anglo-Saxon elegies. The final part to this unit will be students writing their own elegy,