The Great Gatsby/1920’s News Broadcast
In groups of four or five, students will perform a news broadcast consisting of information that directly relates to the time period of the novel, The Great Gatsby. In addition to presenting news of the time, students are required to incorporate major events which take place in the novel itself, such as deaths, parties, sports (Jordan Baker), investigations, murders, etc. However, based upon some information presented in the story, students may elaborate on a variety of topics, but nothing unrelated to the time period and societal standards of the time and geographical status—meaning no Mtv, famous current sports players, modern cars and homes, etc.
Students are expected to dress professionally, just as they are expected to speak professionally throughout the length of the presentation. Each student is required to develop a typed script, which will be turned in immediately following the presentation, to help keep ideas and events organized. However, do not depend upon it throughout the presentation. Make sure that you separate each event or segment you have for the presentation to help you organize further. Provide a brief opening and closing to your script just as you would for an essay to help create a strong transition from one reporter to another. Oral Presentation standards are expected during these broadcasts:
· Eye Contact
· Posture/Stance
· Projection/Pronunciation/Emphasis
· Pace
· Professionalism in Voice/Content
· Preparation/Organization
Each member of the group is required to create or obtain their own visual aid to supplement the ideas being presented during the presentation. Students may provide pictures (illustrated, photocopied, or printed), realia/model, or demonstration.
Sports—game; Weather—forecast; Fashion—clothes; Culture—food; Major news—historical events
The following jobs available for the presentation are: News Anchors, Investigation, Fashion, Culture/Lifestyle, and Sports/Weather.
Sports/Weather: (1 student)—2 Minutes
The student will perform each segment. Weather is a one minute segment, and the sport’s segment will be one minute. Describe the weather conditions that are addressed in the novel (Remember: it is summer!). Based upon research and ideas implemented from the story, create some sports-related activities, which could be part of life in New York during the 1920’s. Focus on a few different events during this time for which reporting may take place.
Current Events: (1 student)—2 Minutes
This student will present the major news events in New York in the 1920’s. Much of what is presented must communicate the events in the novel. There is room for some creativity and researched events; however, do not stray too far off from our novel. Decide on the events which seem most important—do not overlap with the investigator. While providing information for each event, be thorough and professional. Keep in mind that you are relaying information to the public, not voicing your opinions about it.
Investigation: (1 student)—2 Minutes
This student will focus on the unrest in this metropolitan, New York. The major crime is the order of the day. Think about the “shady” conditions of the city. Provided through research and through elements of the story, focus on the criminal element of the times. This relates to our moral degradation in the novel on which Fitzgerald focuses so heavily. Provide some interesting lead stories with completed or pending investigations. Make references to characters in the novel who are involved in “shady dealings.”
Fashion: (1 student)—2 Minutes
This student will focus on the opulence of the time period--new designers, styles, clothing stores, fashion magazines, etc. Provide an overview of the current fashion trends for the variety of societal levels in the novel (think of the "newly rich," the "old money," and the lower income individuals).
Culture/Lifestyle: (1 student)—2 Minutes
This student will reveal the cultural events of the time period. What was popular? Who was popular? Provide evidence from the novel to create news worthy stories that would relate to Lifestyle and Culture of the period (think: parties, class structure, places to go, things to do). Who were the fashionable people of the time? Look back on the chapters with Gatsby’s parties.
Rubric: The Whole Project is worth 200pts.
Visual Aids: (30pts) Group Grade: (40pts)
*Color/Contrast *Daily Participation
*Poster Size (Every student in the room *Working Unit--Collaboration
should be able to see your visual) *Everyone Prepared and Involved in Presentation
*Creativity/Effort with Captions containing
Explanations
*Content Specific and Detailed
Presentation: (100pts) Oral Presentation Requirements: (30pts)
*Group Collaboration *Eye Contact
*Preparation/Organization *Voice: Projection/Inflection/Intonation/Clarity
*Professionalism—Conduct and Speech *Pace (Not too fast, not too slow)
*Content Rich—Focused and Detailed on Subject *Organization/Preparation
*Professionalism
*Posture/Stance