English @ CCHS
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existentialism (or, groundhog day)

What is your essence, and where does it come from?

Module summary:
  • explore the meaning of existence
  • learn about existentialism
  • watch ​Groundhog Day
  • analyze the movie in relation to the philosophy
  • review mechanics with Grammar Flip
Picture
Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the leading philosophers behind existentialism

essential questions

  • How does philosophy add to our understanding of life?
  • Why does word choice matter?
  • How do we develop voice in our writing?

goals

  • Students will understand that philosophy is a conversation about the fundamental nature of life, existence, and knowledge
  • Students will understand that word choice strengthens writing by clarifying an argument through specific wording and by adding interest through imagery. 
  • Students will understand that voice is your personality showing through your interest or passion in the subject and ability to engage the audience through effective word choice.

c-tachs

Writing
  • Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
Language
  • Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar when speaking and writing
Speaking and listening
  • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions

activities

Monday: 
  • Introduction to Grammar Flip
    • Create account, join Mechanics Review class (code DDFKGL3S)
    • Pick four topics to master for the week
      • Watch the video 
      • Take the multiple choice quiz
      • Respond to writing activity prompt in a Google Doc and share with Christine
  • Dialectical journals (write, respond, respond) - check in with Christine if you miss this component of the module
    • Group discussion and sharing
  • Introduction to existentialism
    • Watch Crash Course intro and take notes (scroll to bottom of page for video)
    • Take quiz to check your notes and retention
Tuesday: 
  • Review existentialism basics
    • Create group list of existentialism pillars
  • Watch Groundhog Day
    • Take notes on evidence of existentialism
  • Debrief movie and finalize notes
Wednesday: 
  • Draft an essay: how does Groundhog Day illustrate existentialism?
    • intro - hook, context (overview of existentialism philosophy and Groundhog Day plot - one sentence each!), thesis
    • support - for each of these paragraphs, focus on a different element of existentialism you see addressed in the movie. Be sure to make a clear connection between a specific event in the movie and one of the pillars of the philosophy
    • conclusion - wrap everything up. Consider ideas like: what do you think of all this? why should your audience care? what did you get out of the movie? is existentialism for you? 
  • Turn in your rough draft
Thursday: 
  • Revise essay
    • Word choice - highlight verbs and adjectives (use two different colors) and upgrade half of them to stronger, more specific words
    • Voice - check that your writing sounds like you, is honest, and sounds passionate
  • Grammar Flip: finish 4 topics (quizzes and writing activities) with 80% accuracy
Friday: 
  • Wrap up essay and Grammar Flip topics

resources

Groundhog Day Module Syllabus
File Size: 57 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

crash course in existentialism


Picture

The Mission of Chaffee County High School

“We engage and empower our society through innovative education to make a more positive and peaceful world." 

Contact Us

  • Home
    • About
  • Research
  • Reading & Writing
  • Recent Modules
    • Connect >
      • Board Game Reviews (mini)
      • CCHS Powtoon
      • Coco!
      • Creative Writing Seminar >
        • Calvin and Hobbes
        • Pieces of art
        • Tell Tale Cards
      • Dragon Post
      • Editorializing
      • E-mail Etiquette (Dead Poet's Society)
      • E-mail Etiquette (Star Wars)
      • English Skills
      • Go Write Outside
      • HONY and Narrative Essays
      • Nature Poetry
      • Passion Project
      • Persons, Places, Things
      • Photo Essays
      • Rebel Girls >
        • Jane Goodall
      • Stereotypes
      • Teach Me Something
      • Virtual Reality-ing
      • What Music Means
    • Construct >
      • 2018 in Review
      • Book Censorship
      • Live Anywhere
      • Picture Book Inquiry
      • Propaganda Bombs
      • PSA Powtoon
      • Self-Improvement
      • State of the Union
      • Rant to Reason
      • TED Topics
      • Who Cares?
    • Be Curious >
      • Art Time is Fun Time!
      • Caper with the Classics
      • CCHS Librarians
      • Emma: Friend or Foe?
      • Fahrenheit 451
      • Found Poetry
      • Google Expeditions
      • Hero's Journey
      • Irreverence
      • Macbeth
      • Poetry
      • The Lottery
      • "Worthy" Art