The Devices of Satire

Ashley MacCallum

Focus Class Binder

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

The Devices of Satire

Target Audience:

12th grade British literature

Objectives- During the lesson, students will:

1) Understand and dissect the devices and the genre of satire

2) Analyze the use of satirical devices in 18th century and modern texts

3) Utilize satirical devices to create their own social commentary

4) Question norms and standards of the world and society around the student

5) Utilize new terminology to articulate satirical analysis

6) Think critically, make connections or consider information that is recited orally

7) Work on presentation skills

Materials Needed:

2gether – “Hardest Part of Breaking Up” video 2gether – “Calculus” video

Satirical Cartoons packet Satire Assignment Sheet/Rubric

Satirical Devices worksheet Textbook

Preparation:

Convert youtube.com video on zamzar.com and save video to flash drive to take to school

Research and locate satirical cartoons that are appropriate and amusing to 12th graders

Print off the satirical cartoon packet

Print off Satire Assignment sheet/rubric

Have students grab a book on their way into class

Have students get their “Restoration and Enlightenment” syllabus out

Beginning of Class Activity:

Reading Minute

Presentation:

Transition

Activity – Check the completed packet (10 minutes)

1) Stamp packets for completion

2) Go over parts of the packet that were not finished yesterday. Read each question out loud and discuss the answer as a class

Transition

Activity – “Devices of Satire” worksheet (10 minutes)

1) Read each device

2) Have students share examples

Transition

Activity – Satirical Devices is Action (Remainder of hour)

1) Artifact 1 – Satirical Cartoons

a) Pass out cartoons

b) Select cartoon to dissect utilizing the satirical devices

c) Discuss as a class what devices we see in action and how they are being used. Analyze why they are or are not effective.

2) Artifact 2 – Satirical Video and Song

a) Show the video clip, “Hardest Part of Breaking Up” or “Calculus”

b) Laugh

c) Dissect the video, pinpointing specific satirical devices in use throughout the video and song.

d) Discuss as a class what devices we see in action and how they are being used. Analyze why they are or are not effective.

3) Artifact 3 – Satirical Essay

a) Introduce Swift’s, “A Modest Proposal”

b) Read the introduction and first paragraph of the essay

c) Explain the condition of Ireland during the Potato Famine (briefly)

d) Prompt students to guess what Swift’s “modest proposal” may be. Discuss what device he utilizes right off the bat (pathos – the serious half; tell them to tune in next time to see his rapid leap into the ridiculous)

Transition – Pass out Satire Assignment sheet and rubrics

Activity – Read through, explain and take questions on the assignment

Assessment:

Presentations and discussion

Assignment:

To decide and write down the following bits of information in regards to your satirical commentary:

Concept – What is your theme? What are you saying about it?

Genre – What form is the project going to take? Video? Cartoon? Skit? Song? Essay? Website? Power-point?

Group Names – Are you working alone, with one person or two?

Reflection: