Your final assessment will be a close reading of Crooks' and Curley's Wife's portrayals. In this assessment, you will be given a *random* page that characterizes either Crooks or Curley's Wife, and you will be asked to answer the following question:
In this selection, how does Steinbeck position Crooks/Curley's Wife (depending on which page you get)? Look very closely at the language surrounding the character. What does the surrounding language suggest about the character? What do those suggestions reveal about Steinbeck as a person/author?
In class, we will outline the assignment, which will be graded according to the following rubric:
Length and format: 1-2 pages, format: You must have a definite thesis at the end of your introduction, clear body paragraphs with excellent topic sentences, and a conclusion.
One possible format to use if you're stuck:
Intro - hook reader, give bg, answer all parts of question.
Body paragraph 1 What does the language surrounding Crooks/CW imply/suggest?
Body paragraph 2 How does this subtle use of language positions the character, and is this reinforced in the plot?
Conclusion - restate thesis, restate evidence, and answer the question: "What do these suggestions reveal about Steinbeck as a person/author?
_____/10 Student creates a clear introduction with a strong thesis at the end. Thesis answers ENTIRE question. No part is left out.
_____/10 Student creates a strong and complex topic sentence at the start of each paragraph.
_____/10 Each body paragraph contains sufficient "proof" - I am convinced of what you set out to prove in the topic sentence.
_____/10 There are 3-4 sentences of analysis answering the question "So what?" present.
_____/10 All parts of the question are answered thoroughly throughout the essay. Student makes an effort to develop a cohesive essay.
_____/10 Spelling and grammar errors do not distract the reader.
_____/10 Conclusion restates the thesis and evidence without unneeded detail. It also leaves the reader thinking.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
DURING NOVEL: Steinbeck or the 1930s - Which is biased?
After reading through the novel and collecting evidence on Curley's Wife and Crooks' portrayals, we are going to put on our critical hats and explore this novel like a college student would. Because you guys are wicked smart.
______________________________________________________________________________
Objective:
To answer the questions:
1. Are the issues Lennie and George face still present today? What is the situation of today's migrant farm worker?
2. What were Steinbeck's views about blacks and women? Did they match up with the dominant views of blacks and women in the 1930s?
3. How are Curley's Wife and Crooks portrayed in the novel up to this point?
4. Did Steinbeck impose his views on his readers consciously or subconsciously?"
______________________________________________________________________________
Q: How are we going to answer these questions, you ask?
A: Well, you are going to answer these questions in class and at home using the guide below!
Then, next class, we will discuss your answers!
Please write your answers for each question on a separate sheet of paper (To Be Collected).
For the required "comment" question (#3), comment on this blog page IN ADDITION TO your handwritten answers.
______________________________________________________________________________
If you prefer a paper copy, download here: 1930s race and gender hw
1. Are the issues Lennie and George face still present today? What is the situation of today's migrant farm worker?
Let's explore the dominant views about women and African Americans in the 1930s.
A. Do you think that the plight of the migrant worker is still an issue? Let's explore this website to learn about the migrant worker after the 1930s. http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/migrants.html
B. http://www.economist.com/node/17722932 Read this article in 'The Economist" and think about the issues of the migrant worker today. Do they suffer more/less than Lennie and George? What are the similarities/differences?
2. What were Steinbeck's views about blacks and women? Did they match up with the dominant views of blacks and women in the 1930s?
Let's learn more about this "Steinbeck" guy by reading these articles and web posts. Would you call him racist and/or sexist in his portrayal of Crooks/Curley's Wife, or would you call him a product of his time period? Use evidence from one source.
REQUIRED Race: Blacks in 1930s Great Depression and African-Americans
If you're interested here are some extra (not required) readings...
Good Example of Evidence of Steinbeck Reinforcing Racism from OMM
What were Steinbeck's views in the 1950s and 60s?
Notes on Steinbeck and Race
REQUIRED Women: Women and the Dust Bowl: INTERVIEWS Steinbeck and Misogyny in OF MICE AND MEN
If you're interested...take a look:
Steinbeck and his female characters in EAST OF EDEN
Steinbeck's Women
3. How are Curley's Wife and Crooks portrayed in the novel up to this point?
Answer this question using the graphic organizer you have been filling out at home. Please share your thoughts on question #3 (above) using the COMMENTS tab below. This will generate group discussion. You MUST create your own comment, and after that, you can go back and reply to your peers.
4. Did Steinbeck impose his views on his readers consciously or subconsciously?
This is where the real thinking happens! To guide your response, use these questions: What do you think - did Steinbeck know what he was doing in creating one-dimensional plot devices out of his only female and black characters, or was he a product of his time period? Was his portrayal of Curley's Wife sexist? Why or why not? Was his portrayal of Crooks racist? Why or why not? (This question is a warm-up for your final assessment.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Homework: Answer all questions on a separate sheet of paper. Use the blog to COMMENT on question #3.
Rubric:
___/10 Student answers each question on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.
___/10 Each answer is at least five sentences in length.
___/10 Each answer includes at least two quotes from the readings.
___/10 Student's answers indicate that he/she did a thorough, careful job reading through the required sources.
______________________________________________________________________________
Objective:
To answer the questions:
1. Are the issues Lennie and George face still present today? What is the situation of today's migrant farm worker?
2. What were Steinbeck's views about blacks and women? Did they match up with the dominant views of blacks and women in the 1930s?
3. How are Curley's Wife and Crooks portrayed in the novel up to this point?
4. Did Steinbeck impose his views on his readers consciously or subconsciously?"
______________________________________________________________________________
Q: How are we going to answer these questions, you ask?
A: Well, you are going to answer these questions in class and at home using the guide below!
Then, next class, we will discuss your answers!
Please write your answers for each question on a separate sheet of paper (To Be Collected).
For the required "comment" question (#3), comment on this blog page IN ADDITION TO your handwritten answers.
______________________________________________________________________________
If you prefer a paper copy, download here: 1930s race and gender hw
1. Are the issues Lennie and George face still present today? What is the situation of today's migrant farm worker?
Let's explore the dominant views about women and African Americans in the 1930s.
A. Do you think that the plight of the migrant worker is still an issue? Let's explore this website to learn about the migrant worker after the 1930s. http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/migrants.html
B. http://www.economist.com/node/17722932 Read this article in 'The Economist" and think about the issues of the migrant worker today. Do they suffer more/less than Lennie and George? What are the similarities/differences?
2. What were Steinbeck's views about blacks and women? Did they match up with the dominant views of blacks and women in the 1930s?
Let's learn more about this "Steinbeck" guy by reading these articles and web posts. Would you call him racist and/or sexist in his portrayal of Crooks/Curley's Wife, or would you call him a product of his time period? Use evidence from one source.
REQUIRED Race: Blacks in 1930s Great Depression and African-Americans
If you're interested here are some extra (not required) readings...
Good Example of Evidence of Steinbeck Reinforcing Racism from OMM
What were Steinbeck's views in the 1950s and 60s?
Notes on Steinbeck and Race
REQUIRED Women: Women and the Dust Bowl: INTERVIEWS Steinbeck and Misogyny in OF MICE AND MEN
If you're interested...take a look:
Steinbeck and his female characters in EAST OF EDEN
Steinbeck's Women
3. How are Curley's Wife and Crooks portrayed in the novel up to this point?
Answer this question using the graphic organizer you have been filling out at home. Please share your thoughts on question #3 (above) using the COMMENTS tab below. This will generate group discussion. You MUST create your own comment, and after that, you can go back and reply to your peers.
4. Did Steinbeck impose his views on his readers consciously or subconsciously?
This is where the real thinking happens! To guide your response, use these questions: What do you think - did Steinbeck know what he was doing in creating one-dimensional plot devices out of his only female and black characters, or was he a product of his time period? Was his portrayal of Curley's Wife sexist? Why or why not? Was his portrayal of Crooks racist? Why or why not? (This question is a warm-up for your final assessment.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Homework: Answer all questions on a separate sheet of paper. Use the blog to COMMENT on question #3.
Rubric:
___/10 Student answers each question on a separate sheet of paper and in complete sentences.
___/10 Each answer is at least five sentences in length.
___/10 Each answer includes at least two quotes from the readings.
___/10 Student's answers indicate that he/she did a thorough, careful job reading through the required sources.
BEFORE NOVEL: Racism and Sexism in Media
DAY 1: Classwork!
Let's explore the racism and sexism that exists in the media today.
Purpose:
To develop a "critical lens" through which to read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. In his novel there are two characters, Curley's Wife and Crooks, whose role in the novel is very fun to examine.
Women in the Media - "Killing Us Softly"
As you watch each video, jot down thoughts on the following using the graphic organizer I gave out in class. If you are absent the questions are here:
- What points does the speaker make about women in advertising? (List three.)
- How could some of these trends in advertising be damaging to women and girls?
- How could some of these trends in advertising be damaging to men and boys?
- What can YOU do to change this?
Let's explore the racism and sexism that exists in the media today.
Purpose:
To develop a "critical lens" through which to read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. In his novel there are two characters, Curley's Wife and Crooks, whose role in the novel is very fun to examine.
Women in the Media - "Killing Us Softly"
As you watch each video, jot down thoughts on the following using the graphic organizer I gave out in class. If you are absent the questions are here:
- What points does the speaker make about women in advertising? (List three.)
- How could some of these trends in advertising be damaging to women and girls?
- How could some of these trends in advertising be damaging to men and boys?
- What can YOU do to change this?
Done watching? Great!
Discuss in groups your answers to the questions above. Then, in a few minutes, we will discuss as a class.
Now, take a look at this interview, which explores film (from the modern era!) that perpetuates stereotypes and racist ideas. As you watch/observe, collect the following information:
- Does the film critic think that we have "transcended" stereotyping in film? Why or why not? Do you agree or disagree?
- You are the experts here. How does the media tend to portray black men? Black women?
- Why is it helpful to be aware of stereotypes that the media (film, advertising, etc.) "sells" to youth? If you weren't aware of stereotypes, what might happen?
____________________________________________________________________________
Day 1 homework assignment: See handout. Homework: Collect Images!
Classwork next day/connection to homework: ROOM DISPLAY!!!
Graphic Organizer - for reading
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