Heroes and medieval literature
Description:
This unit examines the characteristics of heroes, both modern and Medieval. Students will read, analyze, and learn the characteristics of epic poetry. They will also compare and contrast various tellings (both print and film) of the same story. Finally, they will read various tales of chivalry and discuss the meaning of knighthood in the Middle Ages.
Essential and Subject Question(s):
Common Core Standards:
Activities and Assessment(s):
Text Set:
Materials:
This unit examines the characteristics of heroes, both modern and Medieval. Students will read, analyze, and learn the characteristics of epic poetry. They will also compare and contrast various tellings (both print and film) of the same story. Finally, they will read various tales of chivalry and discuss the meaning of knighthood in the Middle Ages.
Essential and Subject Question(s):
- EQ: How do the time period and cultural context of Medieval literature contribute to its effectiveness?
- SQ: What are the characteristics of an epic poem?
- SQ: What makes a hero a hero?
- SQ: How has the definition of hero changed over the years? How has it stayed the same?
- SQ: How is the tradition of chivalry reflected in Medieval British Literature?
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R.11-12.2. Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R.11-12.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R.11-12.7. Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem, evaluating how each version interprets the source text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11–12 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies
Activities and Assessment(s):
- Activating Background Knowledge: student-lead research presentations
- Comprehension and Analysis Questions
- Hero Portrait: "unsung hero" interview, biography, and visual representation
- Contextual Vocabulary
- Comparison Essay (Beowulf)
- Beowulf R.A.F.T.
- Quarter One Outside Reading Book (about a hero)
- Medieval Heraldry: make your own coat of arms
- Argument Essay: Which hero is the most heroic and why?
Text Set:
- Poetry: various translations of Beowulf
- Fiction: "Beowulf: A New Telling," by Robert Nye; excerpt from Grendel, by John Gardner; Tales of King Arthur, by Felicity Brooks
- Nonfiction: "The Art of Chivalry and Courtly Love," by Jack H. Lepa
- Film: Robert Zemeckis' adaptation of Beowulf
Materials: