Literary Project

An Independent Inquiry-Based Differentiated Literary Project

A.    Goal
I will demonstrate understanding and appreciation of how literature reflects real life.

B.    Objectives
1.    knowledge: what I will know

  • at least 2 novels that relate to a common theme (essential)
  • at least 2 poems that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
  • at least 2 nonfiction books that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
  • at least 2 picture books that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)
  • at least 2 folktales that relate to the chosen theme (desirable)

2.    skill: what I will be able to do

  • a. find books on a chosen theme (desirable; you may ask me to find them for you)
  • b. take notes, with page numbers, that provide evidence for the topic (essential)
  • c. create a question about life that can be answered by my notes (important; you may ask me to form the question for you)
  • d. compare and contrast the evidence from the various books (essential)
  • e. explain how the evidence corresponds to my own experiences in life (important)
  • f. explain how the evidence corresponds to life for other people (desirable)
  • g. create a project that assimilates all I have learned (essential)
  • h. use conventions of English and artistic techniques to effectively convey what I have learned (essential)
  • i. write an accurate bibliography of all my sources of information (essential)
  • j. hand in my completed project on time (important)

            3.    experience: what I will do

  • a.  read at least 2 novels on a chosen theme (essential)
  • b.  gather materials for taking organized notes (essential)
  • c.  consult with my teacher on what topic to study in relation to my theme (important)
  • d.  ask for help when I feel discouraged or confused (important)
  • e.  read the novels myself and do the writing myself so that the project truly reflects my own knowledge and skill level (essential)

4.    attitude: how I will behave

  • a. show interest in reading (essential)
  • b. show interest in learning about my chosen theme and topic (essential)
  • c. show interest in creating an original project (essential)

[This page may be copied for use with students if the following credit is provided: ©2014 Sophie Rosen.]

 

 

Term Project:

  1. Start reading.
  2. Keep notes:
    1. a bibliography
    2. a world map
    3. your observations
  3. Start considering questions.
  4. Choose a question.
  5. Organize the notes you have already made.
  6. Read more books that will help answer your question.
  7. Talk with your teacher to plan a presentation in which you will share your observations and conclusions.

Possible Questions:

  • How do people survive difficult experiences?
  • How has nonviolent action affected people’s lives?
  • Who are people who have made a positive difference in the world?
  • How do people meet their basic emotional needs?
  • When is suffering worthwhile in life?
  • How do people pass on goodness even though they have experienced evil?
  • How do literary characters illustrate qualities on the ‘Bridge of Character’?
  • What are causes and effects of migration?
  • How do stories help us understand people from other cultures?
  • How do stories help us understand life in different times in history?
  • How does science fiction help us deal with present day problems in our world?
  • How does fiction help us deal with the human condition of goodness and evil?

 

Possible formats:

  • Powerpoint presentation
  • Booklet or Report
  • Essay
  • Poster or Mural
  • Diorama or Model
  • A Creative Story of a Journey through Literature

 

 

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