Rewriting Class:
FinalProject

(To be done as final exam)

Since we are almost done with our time together in class, it is time to begin thinking about the final projects.

TheAssignment:

Rework any of the works we have studied this yearinto a new form (i.e. graphic novel, music video, filmed adaptation, song, skit, etc.) either within a group or as an individual assignment.

You must stay true to the ideas presented by the piece, yetmany elements CAN BE altered:

Language- (Must be school appropriate!)

Can be adapted or kept in original diction. Lines can also be edited for content, brevity, etc.

Setting-

Many adaptations simply change the setting of the play to alter the performance. Be sure to include regional dialect and authentic ideas for new setting/culture.

Premise-

Changing what happened to the characters in the work while remaining true to the plotline. While many works have an identified speaker, you may change perspective to show how the lines can change depending on the character’s identity, but the plot must stay the same.

Genre-

Take a piece and rework it as a different genre of literature, film, or play. Perhaps model your project after a German silent film, Kung Fu movie, or a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episode, etc.

Gender-

Simply changing a character’s gender could have maximum altercations for the plot line. For instance if the chimney sweepers were young girls, how would the audience’s sympathy change?

Characters-

Not all characters must be included if their role is small enough to be overlooked or given to another’s lines. Characters may also be included in scenes they were not in for a particular effect and you may add your own inventions as long as the piece is still recognizable.

Ideas that CANNOT BE Altered:

Plot-

We must be able to recognize the work in your adaptation;therefore, the basic plot line must stay similar to the original.

Character Names-

Again, we must be able to recognize the characters. You may play jokes on names (or nicknames) given. For instance, if you put Hamlet into the Transformers Universe you may call Claudius, “Claudi-tron.”

Final projects will be due during our final exam block.

Project 100 points total (Project + Rationale)

Filmed Project (25 points):

(5 points): Does project meet time criteria?

Performance: (10 minutes maximum length)

Project: Covers entirety of a scene, poem, or story studied in class

(5 points): Include all members

Were all members of group involved?

(15 points): Professionalism/Quality

Did performers take assignment seriously (i.e. Not reading lines off paper, laughing inappropriately or performed earnestly and with purpose)?

Was the project created earnestly or haphazardly?
Script (25 points total):

(5 points): Cast of Characters

List of characters and who played each part

(5 points): Written Version of Performance

Performance must follow script verbatim.

Include stage cues/directions (i.e. “exits, enters, aside, to *certain character*)

(15 points): Mechanics and Grammar

What parts of the piece were altered?

(This will be evaluated by teacher; the changes will be shown within the performance and script)

Other Project Forms (50 points):

(25 points): Adaptations

What type of project was presented?

What parts of the work were altered?
What parts of the work were kept? Themes, lines, symbols, etc…

(This will be evaluated by teacher; the changes will be shown within the students’ work)
(25 points): Professionalism/Quality
Was the project created earnestly or haphazardly?

Does project depict events of the poem?

Rationale (50 points): 1-2 pages

(15 points): What and Why?

What were the affects your alterations made within the work?

  • What were you trying to show by making these alterations? What was your ultimate goal or objective?
  • Include quotes from original work to show where your ideas came from and explain your altering process. Full credit will NOT be given for rationales without textual support.

(10 points): Effectiveness

Did the alterations emphasize the points you wished to make?

Did other ideas/realizations come out of the play due to these changes?

Did you learn more about the play in altering it?

  • List new insights into play/scene/work

(25 points): Mechanics and Grammar