Project Activities
Choose one of the following activities due before March 2nd 2012
- Reader’s Log Assignment
For each of the five “Reader’s Log” you will focus on tracing the theme of peace, struggle or conflict. Each of your entries must include the following components:
- A quote about peace, struggle or conflict with the page number cited in MLA format.
- A comment in complete sentences on what the author is saying about loss.
- A connection to your own life, again in complete sentences.
Here is a sample entry from the book Night:
- Quotation: “All those things that people had thought of taking with them, and which in the end they had left behind. They had lost all value” (15).
- Comment: Here, Wiesel seems to be commenting on how quickly things people own lose their value when they are facing other more serious losses, like the loss of their freedom.
- Connection: I remember last year when mom didn’t have enough money to pay the bills. That was really bad, I guess. But we didn’t think all about it at the time all that much because Dad was still in the hospital trying to get better.
Criteria for success a Reader’s Log includes. . .
Ø At least five entries.
Ø at least five quotes done in MLA format
Ø At least five connections to your life.
Ø Sentences that are complete.
Ø Responses that are relevant to the theme of loss, struggle or conflict.
Ø Fully developed ideas.
Rubric for Reader’s Log
Ø 4: All work is complete. Responses are relevant to the theme of loss, struggle or conflict and are fully developed.
Ø 3: Most of the entries are complete and / or relevant to the theme of loss, struggle or conflict. Most responses are fully developed.
Ø 2: Some of the entries are complete and / or relevant to the theme of loss, struggle or conflict. Some responses are fully developed.
Ø 1: Entries are missing, are poorly developed and / or irrelevant to the theme of loss, struggle or conflict.
2. Book Report
Use this format for the book report.
You may use the program "Microsoft Word" to write your report.
The book report should be about 2 to 3 pages long and be written in a simple, concise, clear style. It may be shorter if your ideas are complete and longer if you are not too wordy. Don't simply copy pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page, as some students have in the past. I prefer the work to be typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper, but your neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable.
You should thoroughly answer these questions:
1. What is the name of the book? Who is the author? Who is the publisher? How many pages are in the book? These questions should be answered in one or two complete sentences. You don't need to rewrite the question; simply number the answer.
2. What kind of book is it? Fiction? Non-fiction? Biography? Argumentation? This is a couple of sentences long. Say what makes it "fiction" or "non-fiction".
3. How many days did it take you to read this book? This is about one sentence.
4. Who are the top three or four characters? Tell me about them. Why are they important? List them and say a little about each one. This could be about a half a page to over a page long.
5. Tell me what the book is about. Summarize the plot. Use your own words and ideas to describe the story. If the book is a collection of short stories, pick the three best and explain their plots. If the book is not fiction, explain the main idea and the supporting details or arguments. If it is organized historically, give a list of the important events in the text. This could run from one and a half pages to several pages. Don't make it too long or too short; you don't need to explain every little detail in the plot).
6. Now give me some analysis of the book. Tell me why you liked or did not like it. Was it too hard or easy to understand? Was the vocabulary too hard? Would you recommend it to a friend? Did you see a movie or video of the book? How is it different from the real book? How would you judge the author? Was the story something you could relate to or was it not connected to your real life? This could be one to several pages. Don't forget this part: Most students do well on the summary of the book (question#5) but only write a few sentences for this question. Do a good analysis!
The book report should be about 2 to 3 pages long and be written in a simple, concise, clear style. It may be shorter if your ideas are complete and longer if you are not too wordy. Don't simply copy pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page, as some students have in the past. I prefer the work to be typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper, but your neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable.
You should thoroughly answer these questions:
1. What is the name of the book? Who is the author? Who is the publisher? How many pages are in the book? These questions should be answered in one or two complete sentences. You don't need to rewrite the question; simply number the answer.
2. What kind of book is it? Fiction? Non-fiction? Biography? Argumentation? This is a couple of sentences long. Say what makes it "fiction" or "non-fiction".
3. How many days did it take you to read this book? This is about one sentence.
4. Who are the top three or four characters? Tell me about them. Why are they important? List them and say a little about each one. This could be about a half a page to over a page long.
5. Tell me what the book is about. Summarize the plot. Use your own words and ideas to describe the story. If the book is a collection of short stories, pick the three best and explain their plots. If the book is not fiction, explain the main idea and the supporting details or arguments. If it is organized historically, give a list of the important events in the text. This could run from one and a half pages to several pages. Don't make it too long or too short; you don't need to explain every little detail in the plot).
6. Now give me some analysis of the book. Tell me why you liked or did not like it. Was it too hard or easy to understand? Was the vocabulary too hard? Would you recommend it to a friend? Did you see a movie or video of the book? How is it different from the real book? How would you judge the author? Was the story something you could relate to or was it not connected to your real life? This could be one to several pages. Don't forget this part: Most students do well on the summary of the book (question#5) but only write a few sentences for this question. Do a good analysis!
Criteria for success a Book Report includes. . .
Ø At least 3 pages in length.
Ø Writing in your own words.
Ø Writing that contains complete sentences.
Ø Writing that is typed or neatly hand-written in blue or black ink.
Ø Detailed answers to no less than the 6 questions provided.
Ø Writing that shows clear organization.
Ø Ideas that are fully developed.
Rubric for Book Report
Ø 4: All work is complete. The book report is more three pages long and written in a simple, concise, clear style. Isn’t simply copied pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page. It is typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper or your neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable. All six questions are answered in detail with an introduction and a conclusion. The writing shows clear organization and is fully developed.
Ø 3: Most the work is complete. The book report is less than three pages long and mostly written in a simple, concise, clear style. It is mostly not simply copied pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page. It is mostly typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper or your mostly neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable. Less than six questions are answered in detail with an introduction and a conclusion. The writing mostly shows clear organization and most ideas are fully developed.
Ø 2: Some of the work is complete and / or relevant. The book report is less than two pages long and somewhat written in a simple, concise, clear style. Some isn’t simply copied pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page. It is not typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper or not neat handwriting or printing not in black or blue ink. Less than six questions are answered in some detail with an introduction or a conclusion. The writing shows no clear organization and is somewhat developed.
Ø 1: Most of the report is missing, is poorly developed and / or irrelevant or unreadable.
3. Letter to the Author
Create at least a 5 paragraph letter to the author of the book you read. Explain your opinion on a theme, the characters and the setting (including time period) of the book. Be sure to include what this book taught you.
Criteria for Success for a “Letter to the Author” includes:
Ø At least five paragraphs specific to the theme, the characters and the setting (including time period) of the book.
Ø A clear explanation of what the book has taught you.
Ø Fully developed ideas in complete sentences.
Rubric for Letter to the Author
Ø 4: All work is complete. Letter is five or more paragraphs, relevant to the theme, the characters and the setting (including time period) of the book. A clear explanation of what the book has taught you has been fully developed.
Ø 3: Most of the letter is complete with five or less paragraphs relevant to the theme, the characters and the setting (including time period) of the book. A clear explanation of what the book has taught you was provided and most ideas are fully developed.
Ø 2: Some of the letter is complete and / or relevant and contains five or less paragraphs appropriate to the theme, the characters and the setting (including time period) of the book. A somewhat clear explanation of what the book has taught you was provided. Some ideas are fully developed.
Ø 1: Most of the letter is missing, is poorly developed and / or irrelevant.
- Children's Storybook
Write a children's storybook based on the book you read; complete with five or more color illustrations or computer graphics. Choose four or five of the most important scenes and retell the story in simple language.
Criteria for Success for the “Children’s storybook” includes:
Ø A storybook based on the book you read.
Ø A cover with a title, your name, and an illustration.
Ø At least five color illustrations or computer graphics.
Ø A retelling of at least five of the most important scenes.
Ø A beginning, middle, and an end.
Rubric for Children’s Storybook
Ø 4: All work is complete. The storybook is based on the book you read and contains five or more color illustrations or computer graphics. Five of the most important scenes are retold in simple language and is fully developed with a beginning, middle and an end.
Ø 3: Most of the storybook, based on the book you read, is complete and contains five or less color illustrations or computer graphics. Five or less of the most important scenes are included and retold in simple language. The story is almost fully developed with a beginning, middle and an end.
Ø 2: Some of the storybook, based on the book you read, is complete. Five or less color illustrations or computer graphics are provided. Five or less of the most important scenes are included and retold in simple language. The story is somewhat fully developed with a beginning, middle and/or an end.
Ø 1: Most of the storybook is missing, is poorly developed and / or irrelevant.
- News Story
Write a front-page (5-6 paragraph) news story about an important incident from your book. Remember to answer: WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW? Draw or reproduce from the internet at least two pictures with a caption for each underneath to accompany your story.
Criteria for Success for the “News Story” includes:
Ø At least 6 paragraphs about an important incident from your book.
Ø Complete sentences that answer: WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW?
Ø At least two pictures, with a caption for each underneath, to accompany your story.
Ø Details are fully developed.
Rubric for News Story
Ø 4: All work is complete. The news story contains at least 6 paragraphs about an important incident from your book. The news story answers: WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW? At least two pictures are included, with a caption for each underneath, to accompany your story. Details are fully developed.
Ø 3: Most of the work is complete. The news story contains less than 6 paragraphs about an important incident from your book. The news story does not address all of the following: WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW? Less than two pictures, with a caption for each underneath, to accompany your story are provided. The news story is mostly developed.
Ø 2: Some of the work is complete. The news story contains less than 6 paragraphs about an important incident from your book. The news story does not address all of the following: WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW? Less than two pictures, with a caption for each underneath, to accompany your story are provided. The news story is somewhat developed.
Ø 1: Most of the news story is missing, is poorly developed and / or irrelevant.
- Music Review Assignment
For each of the ten “Music Reviews” you will listen to the ten tracks CD that will be distributed in class. For each of the song write a paragraph, each paragraph must meet the following criteria.
Ø The Title and Artist.
v What you think the title means.
Ø Year it was published.
v During a war or not, if so which war?
Ø A quote from the song
v What you think the quote means.
Ø If you liked the song, why or why not.
Criteria for success a Music Review includes. . .
Ø at least ten entries.
Ø at least ten quotes
Ø at all the names of the artist.
Ø sentences that are complete.
Ø responses that are relevant to the topic of war.
Ø fully developed ideas.
Rubric for Music Review
Ø 4: All work is complete. Responses are relevant to the topic of anti-war/ pro-war and are fully developed.
Ø 3: Most of the entries are complete and / or relevant to the topic of anti-war/ pro-war. Most responses are fully developed.
Ø 2: Some of the entries are complete and / or relevant to the topic of anti-war/ pro-war. Some responses are fully developed.
Ø 1: Entries are missing, are poorly developed and / or irrelevant to topic of anti-war/ pro-war.
- Anti-War/Pro-War Song
Listen to all ten of the songs that are featured on the CD. After listening to the CD write a one page summary and analysis on the view of the Anti-War songs. Cite a quote from at least two of the songs you have listened to, to better help support your response. After this you will Independently or with the help of friends create your own Anti-War or Pro-War song. This song may be from any genre of music. You may post this song on Youtube, provide me an MP3 or Video file. The song must be at least 2 minutes long and consist of an actual musical effort, not just you speaking while you randomly play an out of tune guitar. You must also supply a copy of the lyrics to your song.
Criteria for success Anti-War/Pro-War Song includes. . .
Ø A summary of the theme of the songs from the CD
Ø at least two quotes from the songs
Ø include those artists names or any other you discuss
Ø sentences that are complete.
Ø responses that are relevant to the task.
Ø fully developed ideas.
Rubric for Anti-War/Pro-War Song
Ø 4: All work is complete. Responses are relevant to the topic of anti-war/ pro-war and are fully developed. Written response is 1 or more full pages long and the song is 2 or more minutes long. The lyrics are also supplied on another sheet.
Ø 3: Most of the entries are complete and / or relevant to the topic of anti-war/ pro-war. Written response is almost 1 page long and the song is just under 2 long. Most responses are fully developed.
Ø 2: Some of the entries are complete and / or relevant to the topic of anti-war/ pro-war. Written response is less than half a page long and the song is under 1 minute long. Some responses are fully developed.
Ø 1: Entries are missing, are poorly developed and / or irrelevant to topic of anti-war/ pro-war.
- The ‘Nam Summaries
For each of the ten issues of The ‘Nam you will read the whole issue that will be distributed in class as a digital copy. Each CD will include each issue as well as a program that you will install in order to be able to read the comic book. For each of the comic books write a paragraph, each paragraph must meet the following criteria.
Ø Write the “Who? What? Where? When? And Why?” For all the issues combined
(5 Sentence s)
v This may be written in bullet form
Ø A sentence describing what you liked from each issue (10 Sentences)
Ø A quote from the text (10 Sentences)
v What you think the quote means.
v Who said it?
Ø If you liked the comic book, why or why not. (1 Sentence)
Ø One sentence describing your opinion of selective service (the Draft) after having read this. (1 Sentence)
Criteria for success a Comic Book Summary includes. . .
Ø at least ten entries.
Ø at least ten quotes
Ø at all the names of the artist and writer.
Ø sentences that are complete.
Ø responses that are relevant to the topic of war.
Ø fully developed ideas.
- Create a Comic Book
Read all Issues, 1-10 of the Comic Book The’Nam. After completing the readings you will draw and write your own Issue #11. This issue will continue the story of the previous comic books. The issue must include a main character, a problem he faces in the war, and one battle. The Issue must be 11 pages long and a cover (12 pages). It may be done on the computer or by hand, it must be done in color. In addition to the Comic Book, please provide a plain text document that is just the dialog used in your comic book. This may be typed or hand written. Your comic book must meet these criteria.
Criteria for Success for the “Comic Book” includes:
Ø A storybook based on the Comic Book you read.
Ø A cover with a title, your name, and an illustration.
Ø At least eleven pages with color illustrations or computer graphics.
Ø A continuing of the story of the comic book you have read.
Ø A beginning, middle, and an end.
Rubric for Comic Book
Ø 4: All work is complete. The comic book is based on the comic book you read and contains 11 or more pages with color illustrations or computer graphics.it is in simple language and is fully developed with a beginning, middle and an end.
Ø 3: Most of the comic book, based on the comic book you read, is complete and contains 11 or less pages with color illustrations or computer graphics. The story is almost fully developed with a beginning, middle and an end.
Ø 2: Some of the comic book, based on the comic book you read, is complete. 8 or less pages with color illustrations or computer graphics are provided. The story is somewhat fully developed with a beginning, middle and/or an end.
Ø 1: Most of the comic book is missing, is poorly developed and / or irrelevant.
- Movie Essay
Use this format for the book report.
You may use the program "Microsoft Word" to write your report.
The Movie Essay should be at least 3 pages long and be written in a simple, concise, clear style. Don't simply copy pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page, as some students have in the past. I prefer the work to be typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper, but your neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable.
You should thoroughly answer these questions:
1. What is the name of the movie? Who is the director? Who is tin the cast? How long was the movie? These questions should be answered in one or two complete sentences. You don't need to rewrite the question; simply number the answer. Or answer all the questions for each prompt in one paragraph.
2. What kind of movie is it? Fiction? Non-fiction? Comedy? Drama? Musical? This is a couple of sentences long. Say what makes it a "drama" or "comedy".
3. How many sittings did you watch the movie in? This is about one sentence.
The Movie Essay should be at least 3 pages long and be written in a simple, concise, clear style. Don't simply copy pages out of the book or quotes from the cover or pages from an internet web page, as some students have in the past. I prefer the work to be typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper, but your neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable.
You should thoroughly answer these questions:
1. What is the name of the movie? Who is the director? Who is tin the cast? How long was the movie? These questions should be answered in one or two complete sentences. You don't need to rewrite the question; simply number the answer. Or answer all the questions for each prompt in one paragraph.
2. What kind of movie is it? Fiction? Non-fiction? Comedy? Drama? Musical? This is a couple of sentences long. Say what makes it a "drama" or "comedy".
3. How many sittings did you watch the movie in? This is about one sentence.
4. Have you ever seen this movie before? This is about one sentence.
5. What decade was this movie made in and is that significant? This is about one to two sentences.
6. Who are the top three or four characters? Tell me about them. Why are they important? List them and say a little about each one. This could be about a half a page to over a page long.
7. Tell me what the movie is about. Summarize the plot. Use your own words and ideas to describe the story. If the movie is a collection of short stories, pick the three best and explain their plots. If the movie is not fiction, explain the main idea and the supporting details or arguments. If it is organized historically, give a list of the important events in the text. This could run from one and a half pages to several pages. Don't make it too long or too short; you don't need to explain every little detail in the plot.
8. Now give me some analysis of the movie. Tell me why you liked or did not like it. Was it too hard or easy to understand? Was the dialog too difficult? Would you recommend it to a friend? If the movie was based on a book, have you read it? How is it different from the actual war? How would you judge the writer of the script? Was the story something you could relate to or was it not connected to your real life? This could be one to several pages. Don't forget this part: Most students do well on the summary of the movie (question#5) but only write a few sentences for this question. You watched the movie, I know you did. Do a good analysis!
6. Who are the top three or four characters? Tell me about them. Why are they important? List them and say a little about each one. This could be about a half a page to over a page long.
7. Tell me what the movie is about. Summarize the plot. Use your own words and ideas to describe the story. If the movie is a collection of short stories, pick the three best and explain their plots. If the movie is not fiction, explain the main idea and the supporting details or arguments. If it is organized historically, give a list of the important events in the text. This could run from one and a half pages to several pages. Don't make it too long or too short; you don't need to explain every little detail in the plot.
8. Now give me some analysis of the movie. Tell me why you liked or did not like it. Was it too hard or easy to understand? Was the dialog too difficult? Would you recommend it to a friend? If the movie was based on a book, have you read it? How is it different from the actual war? How would you judge the writer of the script? Was the story something you could relate to or was it not connected to your real life? This could be one to several pages. Don't forget this part: Most students do well on the summary of the movie (question#5) but only write a few sentences for this question. You watched the movie, I know you did. Do a good analysis!
Criteria for success a Movie Review includes. . .
Ø At least 3 pages in length.
Ø Writing in your own words.
Ø Writing that contains complete sentences.
Ø Writing that is typed or neatly hand-written in blue or black ink.
Ø Detailed answers to no less than the 6 questions provided.
Ø Writing that shows clear organization.
Ø Ideas that are fully developed.
Rubric for Movie Review
Ø 4: All work is complete. The movie review is more three pages long and written in a simple, concise, clear style. Isn’t simply copied off the cover of the DVD or pages the booklet or from an internet web page. It is typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper or your neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable. All six questions are answered in detail with an introduction and a conclusion. The writing shows clear organization and is fully developed.
Ø 3: Most the work is complete. The movie review is less than three pages long and mostly written in a simple, concise, clear style. It is mostly not copied off the cover of the DVD or pages the booklet or from an internet web page. It is mostly typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper or your mostly neat handwriting or printing in black or blue ink is acceptable. Less than six questions are answered in detail with an introduction and a conclusion. The writing mostly shows clear organization and most ideas are fully developed.
Ø 2: Some of the work is complete and / or relevant. The movie review is less than two pages long and somewhat written in a simple, concise, clear style. Some isn’t simply copied off the cover of the DVD or pages the booklet or from an internet web page. It is not typed, double-spaced with writing on only one side of the paper or not neat handwriting or printing not in black or blue ink. Less than six questions are answered in some detail with an introduction or a conclusion. The writing shows no clear organization and is somewhat developed.
Ø 1: Most of the review is missing, is poorly developed and / or irrelevant or unreadable.
