Unit Goal

Early American Writing 1491-1800

(Native American Literature, Literature of Explorations and Early Settlement, Literature of the Puritan Experience, Literature of the American Revolution).

Unit Learning goal: Students will demonstrate knowledge of nineteenth century foundation works of American Literature by choosing one of the four subsections of this Unit (Native American Experience, Early Explorers and Settlers, The Puritan Experience, and Writers of the Revolution) researching and reading an additional story, essay or speech of their choice and creating a video discussing the theme and how the work fits its particular period. 

 

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:

4 – The student can create a video that explores two or more of the subsections of this unit and relate it to a theme and time period.

3 – The student can create a video that explores one of the subsections of this unit and relate it to a theme and time period.

2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can create a video that explores one of the subsections of this unit and relate it to a theme and time period.

1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to can create a video that explores one of the subsections of this unit and relate it to a theme and time period.

Thursday

 LEARNING GOAL: RI6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text.  

As a class we will read and discuss "Speech in the Virginia Convention".  Before we read, who was Patrick Henry?  What two things is he known for?  A speech?  What do think it is about?  What type of things do people give speeches about?  

As we read, Who is the speaker's (author's) audience?  What tone or attitude do you detect in his language, and how does his choice of words reveal his purpose?  Mark and take notes as you read.  Post answers to these questions on your blog.  We will be working with this text on Wednesday as well.  

NOTES ON PERSUASION:

LOGOS - Appeal of Logic (is your argument logical)

ETHOS - Appeal of self (does your audience like due to how your act, speak or write)

PATHOS - Emotional Appeal (why should your audience care, what is in it for them?)

Things that make a good persuasive argument:

1) Self-connections, Self-interest. What is your connection to your subject or argument. If you are passionate or invested, your audience won't be.

2) Expert Testimony - interviews, quotes, documentation with experts that backs up your opinion.

Make sure you state how the quote backs up your ideas.

3) Quality of Reasoning - can you offer facts, statistics or supporting details. This is research driven.

4) Point of the flaws of your opposition.

5) Appeal to audience's self-interest. 

Tuesday

Today we are going to put words of the day on the board, finish "The Crucible" and work on the next draft of your personal narratives.

But first let's review.

Monday

Words of the Day, and the we will read ACT III.

Homework: Begin studying vocabulary - quiz on Friday.

Thursday

Today we are going to put words of the day on the board, take 5-10 minutes to finish up your presentations, present the presentations, and then work on Personal Narratives.

Good Luck!

Wednesday

First words of the day.  Finish reading Act II. Then, in groups choose one of the following:

Enact Act I or Act II

1) as a game show
2) as a "reduced" play (think "REDUCED SHAKESPEARE")
3) as a mime
4) as a play-by-play (as in sports)

You have 20 minutes to do this - then we will view them and move on to Personal Narratives.  

Tuesday

Today we need to look up new vocabulary words and put them in Quizlet, discuss the questions on ACT I from last night, and begin ACT II. 

HOMEWORK: Work on Personal Narratives. 

 

New Vocabulary:

Supinely

Inviolate

Martial

Despotism

Prudent

Abrogate

Buttress

Concomitant

Diaphanous

Impinge