Due Dates:
Monday, 1/7: Rough Draft of Essay due
Friday, 1/11: Final Draft of Essay due
Monday, 1/14: Movie Trailer & Poster due
This is a unit that encourages you to read a novel that is outside of our regular curriculum. You will be asked to participate actively in “literature circles” without my aid/guidance and will be assessed for the quality of your contributions. As a group, you will create a sales pitch for the book, and as individuals you will write a review of the book itself. In summary, this unit encourages you read, write, think, and speak critically about literature.
This unit will be broken into 3 parts:
- Blog entries on the book: 50 project points
- Group film trailer: 50 project points
- Written book review: 100 project points
Reading the Book/Blog
As you read, you will be required to be a critical reader/note-taker. It is my strong suggestion that you use your book for SSR quiet reading time in class after quizzes or tests in other classes. I also recommend that you buy a pack of Post-It notes to use as reference for pages/passages to discuss.
As you read the book, you will meet with your group every day and have structured discussions on specific aspects of the book.
Blog Entries:
Every week you are required to write 2-3 paragraphs of observations in your blog. You are also responsible for reading the entries of your group-mates and commenting meaningfully on them.
These observations (worth 10 points each) are to be based on the discussion topics of that week -- but they are not to be mere summaries of class discussions. Instead, they are your own opinionated insights or analyses of the book you have read so far. You can think of them as fodder for your written book review. These observations can be written in a personal, informal tone.
Written comments and responses to your group members’ observations will comprise another 20 points.
The Movie
Your trailer will be worth 50 points and graded on the following rubric:
| |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
Individual Contribution
|
Did little or counterproductive work on the final product |
Did less than their share of the expected work |
Wasn’t proactive in the process but pulled their weight in contribution |
Was an active part of the process and an essential part of the final product |
Went above and beyond in contributing to the final product |
The Poster
|
Poster was missing or incomplete |
Poster suffered in craftsmanship and/or accuracy |
Somewhat misrepresented or confused the tone or content of the novel |
Accurately conveyed the tone of the novel and film in a well-made poster |
Had a strong, creative visual design that accurately communicates the overall tone of the novel |
| The Trailer: Quality |
Trailer was slipshod and poorly made |
Questionable effort that lacked interest or variety |
Admirable effort but lacked energy, polish, or clarity |
Clean and polished trailer with good performances, preparation, and editing |
Well-made with interesting editing, effects, and/or camera techniques along with excellent acting performances |
| The Trailer: Accuracy |
Grossly misrepresented the tone or content of the novel |
Failed to clearly and accurately convey the central conflict and/or characters of the novel |
Did not quite capture the essence of the novel with slight but evident inaccuracies in conflict or character |
Accurately depicted the characters and central conflict of the novel |
Vividly brought to life the characters and themes of the novel |
| The Trailer: Interest |
Negative viewer reaction due to the trailer’s disdain or disregard of the audience |
Lacked the energy, clarity, or craft to generate much empathy from the audience |
Lacked emotional buildup or excitement despite a clear attempt to do so |
Good job conveying the central tensions and emotional interest of the film |
Masterfully generated excitement and emotional tension |
The Written Review
After completing your book and finding literary criticism/praise, you will then be ready to write your review. This is not a book report. The review looks critically at the book and identifies areas of strength and weakness. The review has a clear thesis, stating plainly whether the book should be applauded for its merits or derided for its shortcomings. The review has to take a stand one way or another. Your book review should follow a five-paragraph format (introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion).
Introduction paragraph:
- Briefly summarizes the novel and its background
- Hints at the major praises or problems the reviewer sees in the novel
- Thesis takes a clear opinionated position on the novel
Body Paragraph: Plot
- Discusses the strengths/weaknesses of the book’s plot and narrative structure
- Doesn’t give away too much of the story
Body paragraph: Style
- Discusses the strengths/weaknesses of the use of style and writing techniques
- Includes quotes and specific examples
Body paragraph: Theme
- Discusses the strengths/weaknesses of the book’s larger themes
- Includes mention of motifs and symbols that illustrate those themes
Conclusion
- Summarizes analysis of novel
- Satisfyingly argues reviewer’s final verdict on novel
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