why should we be familiar with the literary canon?

Let's get classical, classical! (Yes, occasionally I have to make dumb jokes. The rest of the time, though, they're spot on, no? #coolenglishteacher)

Ok, now that I've got that out of my system: let's talk classic literature! It's difficult to teach an entire novel in a week, so I'm going to introduce classic stories through a bit of reading and a movie adaptation. For these "Be Curious" modules, we'll focus on plot, characters, and themes of these well-regarded stories.

BONUS! Read the whole novel of whichever classic we choose for Reading and Writing, and I'll count this module as having completed the first reading journal!

Let's be clear... some classics aren't worth reading. (coughmobydick) But the books I'm offering for these modules are arguably important for you to be familiar with to consider yourself a connected member of society. So let's get started!

Module summary:
  • introduce: review good ol' mechanics of writing
  • expose: read first chapter of your chosen classic; discuss plot, characters, themes
  • practice: watch a movie adaptation of the classic
  • create: participate in a Socratic seminar about the story, characters, and themes
  • reflect: write a narrative paragraph and conference with Christine

essential questions
  • Why is familiarity with classic literature important still today?
  • How do themes add depth to a story?

goals
  • Students will understand that, although these stories may have been written hundreds of years ago, they are still relevant because of their story structure, character development, and themes - and that references are made to them in many angles of modern society.
  • Students will understand that themes add depth to a story by making the deeper meanings relevant in a wide variety of settings.

activities
INTRODUCE
  • Complete mechanics handout (get one from Christine if you are completing this independently)
  • Review syllabus and expectations for the week

EXPOSE
  • Discuss context of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
  • Read and listen to the first chapter of your chosen classic (see "Resources", below, for links to print a copy)
    • Annotate: character introductions and lines you think might be important
  • Begin filling in plot, character, and theme graphic organizers (see "Resources", below, for links to docs if you need to print your own)

PRACTICE
  • Watch a movie version of the classic you have chosen
    • Take notes on plot, characters, and themes with graphic organizers
  • Discuss movie as you go
    • What is happening in the plot?
    • How are characters developing and influencing the plot?
    • What themes are building, and how do you see them evidenced through the plot and characters?

CREATE
  • Participate in Socratic Seminar-style discussion about your classic
    • Reference plot, character, and theme notes to back up your ideas

REFLECT
  • Complete survey on your experience with Gatsby this week
  • Conference with Christine about your survey responses

c-tachs
Reading
  • Cite strong textual evidence to support analysis of explicit and implicit meaning of text
  • Analyze author’s stylistic choices regarding structure and development of the elements of a story, particularly theme
Speaking and Listening
  • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions

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