12.1.1

Activity 1.1: Previewing the Unit

Learning Targets: -Preview the big ideas of the unit. -Create a plan for reading independently. -Identify and analyze the knowledge and skills needed to complete Embedded Assessment 1.

Esto es un párrafo listo para contener creatividad, experiencias e historias geniales.

Essential Questions

About the Unit

Preview

Planning Independent Reading

Discussion of "Criticism"

Unpacking EA1

Preview

In this activity, you will explore the big ideas and tasks of the unit and make plans for your independent reading.

About the Unit

What are we going to focus on for this unit?

In this unit, you will examine the choices authors make to inform and shape the perception of readers. You will begin by deeply evaluating and critiquing poetry and then apply these skills to more complex literary and argumentative texts. This unit also introduces literary theories, which you will use to interpret texts and the world. Studying literary theory is a means to make you aware that the world is full of ideologies, theories, and biases through which we construct an understanding of our individual experiences and the world around us. You will apply Reader Response Criticism in the first half of this unit and Cultural Criticism in the latter half.

By the way... Here are some helpful definitions:

Ideologies:a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

Biases:cause to feel or show inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something.

Literary Theory: the body of ideas and methods used to examine the deeper meaning of literature

Essential Questions

Based on your current knowledge, how would you answer these questions?

1. Why do writers make particular choices when composing a text?

2. How does the interaction between a reader and a text create meaning?

3. What does it mean to be "a stranger in a village"?

Unpacking EA 1

Closely read the assignment for Embedded Assessment 1: Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay.

Write an essay in which you critique and evaluate how the author of "Tipping System Exacerbates Unfair Pay at Restaurants" builds an argument to convince her audience that restaurant workers deserve fair wages from their employers instead of tips. In your essay, explain and evaluate how Kathleen Kingsbury uses one or more of the features in the directions that precede the passage (or features of your own choosing) to develop her argument. Be sure that your critique focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Kingsbury's claims, but rather it should explain and evaluate how Kingsbury builds an argument to persuade the audience. Paraphrase the assignment in your own words. What do you need to know to be able to complete this assessment successfully? What skills must you have to complete the task successfully?

Checklist

Let's make a checklist of the skills you will need for your Embedded Assessment. Which ones did you notice?

Write an Essay

Critique a text

Evaluate a text

Evaluate features for relevance

Identify features of an argument

Which of these sounds easiest? Which sounds hardest?

Planning Independent Reading

To enhance this unit's focus, look for literature or nonfiction that includes multiple perspectives. Each of the literary theories you will study in this course can help you analyze and understand your independent reading texts in new and enlightening ways. Consider how these readings connect to what you read in the unit and to your own perspectives. Choose exceptional readings to recomend to and discuss with your peers. To help you choose the right book, use the following questions as a guide: 1. What have you enjoyed reading in the past? What is your favorite book or favorite type of book? Who is your favorite author?

Thank you!

Esto es un párrafo listo para contener creatividad, experiencias e historias geniales.