Amstud 2013Green / Franklin

LITERATURE CIRCLES/Immigration Unit

Directions: You will have an opportunity to engage in a piece of literature that exposes obstacles and realities of many of this country’s immigrant population around the turn of the century. Mr. Franklin and I will give you a brief “book talk” so you can best choose your selection. We have limited books; therefore, you may not get your first choice.

  1. Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
  2. The Bread Giver by Anzia Yezierska
  3. ‘Tis: A Memoirby Frank McCourt
  4. Namesake by Jhumpa Lahri

PROCEDURE: You will have about 3 weeks to read your book. We will handout books on February 7th and you will have until March 7th to complete all discussions and assignments on the book.

You will be placed in a group of three other students who share the same text. Here is your order of business in your first meeting:

  1. Create a reading schedule. You will have time to meet as a literature circle three different times. Decide how you want to divide the book so you can best discuss the book at these intervals.
  1. Choose roles for the first book discussion:
  2. THEME FINDER
  3. STYLIST (include Symbols and Tone)
  4. HISTORIAN
  5. DISCUSSION LEADER/DURT LEADER

(See separate handouts to explain each role)

You will shift roles each week. You will have a chance to try out three of the four roles over the three weeks.

ASSESSMENT:
We will assess you in two ways:

  1. The depth of your discussion and your willingness to dive into your personal responses as well as into the text.
  2. Project

TEACHING THE BOOK ASSIGNMENT –

All of the students who have read your novel or memoir will prepare a 10-15 minute lesson on your piece of literature. You must include the following in your lesson:

  1. Handout/visual that explains the basic plot of the book – do not feel as if you have to “ruin” the book by giving the ending away. In your visual, layout the characters, exposition, conflict, climax. . . .you can save the resolution. . .
  2. 5 key passages in the work of literature to you can use to convey deeper meaning and connections. Prepare handouts or a powerpoint.
  3. Symbols/archetypes. . . You have spent time in your literary studies exploring symbols and also exploring archetypes. Present your findings to the class. Connect these symbols and/or archetypes to other characters and symbols you have learned in your literature class.
  4. Connection to history – So what has this work of literature taught you about the immigrant experience? Reflect on the value of the story. Discuss whether this book is worth reading. Explain why or why not.

Creative piece – Choose from (but not limited to…) the following:

  1. Movie trailer (“Hollywood It, ” e.g. Theme Song you would choose, Actor/Actress to play major characters, angle you would use if producing the entire movie.
  2. Original song that captures the story and the themes
  3. Artwork
  4. Other?

I will assign you sub groups. Your sub groups will participate in the literary circle and you will be assigned to complete one of part of the teaching assignment (1-4). Each group will be expected to design one creative piece.

DUE: March 8th E DAY

NAME______Book______Date______

GRADING CHECK LIST –

**Make certain to hand this sheet in with any written evidence of your discussion circle.

DISCUSSION CHECK LIST:

_____1. Evidence that student has completed reading assignments.

_____2. Student completes his/her part of the assignment each week.

1st meeting – Feb. 13th

2nd meeting – Feb. 25th

3rd meeting – putting it all together. . March 4th

______3. Student participates regularly in the conversation.

______4. Student is willing to make personal and academic connections to the reading.

______5. Student submits written evidence of his/her part of the literary circle – notes/discussion guide. . .I expect to see notes from the reading circles:

  1. your own notes on the text to help you prepare for your role in the discussion.
  2. Notes you took during the meetings.

(15 points)

Teaching assignment

Explain what your role was in creating the lesson:

  1. Handout

______typed/organized, neat and easy to read (5 points)

______offers a visual overview of the plot – graphic not just list. (5)

_____introduces class to the characters (5)

_____shows the conflicts the characters must face (5)

_____connection: Makes a connection to other stories we have read—What conflicts that exist in your story have existed in other works of literature you have read this year. (5)

Total points:

  1. Key Passages

_____Group chooses 5 passages from different parts of the book – to show breadth as well as depth. (5)

_____Choice reflects a deeper understanding of the key themes/ideas presented in the work of literature. (5)

______Powerpoint is ready to go, neat, and organized.(5)

______Each member of the group provides the following for each quote:

  1. Context (5 pts)
  2. analysis – not summary.(5)

Total Points:

  1. Symbols/Archetypes

____Format for displaying symbols and archetypes is clean, neat, and organized. Students may use power point or a graphic organizer. (5)

____Students examine at least 5 symbols in the book. (5)

____Students explain at least 3 archetypes they found. (5)

_____Students relate/connect symbols and archetypes to other work of literature this year. (10)

Total Points:

  1. Connection to History

______Visual – graphic organizer either handout or slide on power point that lists historical components in the book. (5)

_____Cross reference/Link to history book/class – Explain 5 ideas that you learned in class or from your textbook on immigration that relate to the work of literature. (10)

_____Evaluation of the literature

  1. Strengths of the book as gateway into understanding immigrant experience. (5)
  2. Weaknesses or areas of concern –- what issues does the book fail to address or consider? (5)

EVERYONE – CREATIVE PIECE 25 points

The point of this piece is for you as students to capture the essence of the story – the theme/message of the work. I should be able to look at or listen to your creative piece and know your angle.