Humanities 2015
Identity Unit Personal Narrative: Tell Your Story
When did you first realize you were not a city person?When did you first understand that race and class mattered?When did you first realize that gender mattered? Has one of your cultural identifiers either helped you or hindered you in something you wanted to do?
We all have moments in our lives that change everything, that make us realize who we are, and what we believe in. Though these moments are part of the journey of becoming ourselves, they are also sometimes recognized by our society as significant times of transition and change. For example, sixteen-year olds are granted the right to drive, and this moment symbolizes their acceptance into a larger world of near-adulthood. For each sixteen-year old this moment will have a different meaning, but it is also framed by the meaning our society places on the freedom to drive.
Choose one of these key moments that has been significant in defining who you are. Describe that moment in detail and explain how it has shaped your identity. We will brainstorm together, but you may also want to talk with family members and friends to think about moments in your life that might fit the assignment.
Your task is two-fold: you must relate the actual events of the moment, AND you must reflect upon the moment's significance. You can be creative with how you communicate these two elements, but keep in mind that BOTH the story and the reflection are necessary to fulfill the assignment.
Requirements:
*2.5-3.5 pages typed (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins), with page numbers
*In the top right-hand corner of page one put:
Your Name
Date
Class (Humanities 3-4 or 7-8)
Teacher’s name
* Make sure that your narrative has a creative title and that it is centered at the top of the page.
* DETAILS!You should also include plenty of specific details, such as what things smell like, taste like, what people look like, why they say something, and what emotion they say it with.
* REFLECT! Go beyond simply telling the story; make sure you also reflect upon the event's significance or impact upon your life. How did this event change you? Why?
Questions to keep in mind as you write your narrative:
- Who was involved?
- What happened in the event (action, dialogue)?
- Whenand wheredid the event take place?
- How old were you when the event happened?
- Above all, whyis this event important? That reflection is a crucial part of your narrative.
This assignment is due Wednesday, September 23rd.
It is worth 30 points, and for every day it is late
you will lose 10% (3 points).