Frankenstein: Science, Ethics, and Modern Relevance
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Frankenstein: Science, Ethics, and Modern Relevance

Grade 12Foreign Language2 days
In this 12th-grade project, students explore Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" through the lenses of its social and political context, ethical implications of scientific advancement, and enduring themes. Students will analyze the novel's engagement with the philosophical concept of the Noble Savage and its contribution to the Gothic horror genre. Through activities like TED Talks, AMAs, debates, and creating a Gothic horror time capsule, students will deepen their understanding of the novel's relevance and impact.
FrankensteinEthical ImplicationsGothic HorrorSocial ContextLiterary AnalysisScientific Advancement
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways does "Frankenstein" use the social and political context of its time, ethical implications of scientific advancement, themes of creation, ambition, and isolation, the philosophical concept of the Noble Savage, and its literary genre to remain relevant and impactful today?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How does Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" reflect the social and political context of its time, and how does this context contribute to the novel's enduring relevance?
  • In what ways does "Frankenstein" serve as a cautionary tale about the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the pursuit of knowledge?
  • How does Shelley use the themes of creation, ambition, and isolation to explore the complexities of human nature in "Frankenstein"?
  • To what extent does "Frankenstein" engage with and challenge the philosophical concept of the Noble Savage, as presented by Rousseau, and how does this relate to the character of the Creature?
  • How does the literary genre of "Frankenstein" contribute to its meaning and impact?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand the social and political context of "Frankenstein" and its relevance today.
  • Analyze the ethical implications of scientific advancement as portrayed in the novel.
  • Explore themes of creation, ambition, and isolation in relation to human nature.
  • Examine the connection between the Creature and the philosophical concept of the Noble Savage.
  • Discuss how the literary genre of "Frankenstein" contributes to its meaning and impact.

Teacher Specified

B2.2
Primary
LibertyReason: Student can summarize the plot providing evidence that they have read the suggested version of the book.
ETHICAL
Primary
Ethical implications of science and technologyReason: Student can identify the ethical implications of science and technology , hence their relevance today

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Frankenstein's Legacy: A TED Talk Series

Organize the class into groups, each tasked with preparing a short 'TED Talk' exploring a specific theme or idea from Frankenstein and its relevance to today's world. Possible topics include the dangers of unchecked ambition, the nature of humanity, the responsibility of creators, or the role of society in shaping individuals. This encourages research, critical analysis, and public speaking skills, while connecting the novel to contemporary issues.

Frankenstein's Monster AMA

Students participate in a mock "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session, taking on the roles of different characters from Frankenstein (Victor, the Monster, Walton, etc.). Other students post questions, prompting deep engagement with character motivations, plot details, and thematic concerns. The goal is to foster debate around ethical dilemmas in a fun, interactive way.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Plot Summary Challenge: Evidence Hunt

Students will create a detailed plot summary of Frankenstein, providing direct textual evidence to support their summary. This activity ensures that students have thoroughly read and understood the book.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Divide the novel into key sections (e.g., Walton's letters, Victor's early life, creation of the Monster, Monster's experiences, the pursuit).
2. For each section, write a concise summary of the main events.
3. Identify and quote at least two key passages from each section that directly support your summary.
4. Cite the page number for each quote using MLA format.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive plot summary of Frankenstein with direct textual evidence (quotes and page numbers) for each key section of the novel.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard B2.2 by requiring students to demonstrate their understanding of the plot through summarizing and providing textual evidence.
Activity 2

Ethical Dilemma Debate: Science on Trial

Students will participate in a structured debate focusing on the ethical implications of Victor Frankenstein's scientific endeavors. This activity challenges students to consider the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition and technological advancement.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research and identify three major ethical issues raised by Victor's experiment (e.g., playing God, lack of responsibility, potential harm to society).
2. Form two teams: one arguing in support of Victor's right to pursue scientific knowledge, and the other arguing against it.
3. Each team prepares arguments and counterarguments, supported by evidence from the novel and relevant contemporary examples of scientific advancements.
4. Conduct the debate, following a structured format (opening statements, rebuttals, closing statements).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched and presented debate demonstrating an understanding of the ethical implications of science and technology as depicted in Frankenstein.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses standard ETHICAL by requiring students to analyze and debate the ethical issues presented in the novel, relating them to modern contexts.
Activity 3

Genre Exploration: Gothic Horror Time Capsule

Students will explore the genre of Gothic horror and its historical context by creating a "time capsule" representing key elements of the genre as found in Frankenstein. This will deepen their understanding of how the novel fits into and contributes to the Gothic tradition.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the key characteristics of the Gothic horror genre (e.g., atmosphere of suspense, supernatural elements, themes of isolation and decay).
2. Identify specific examples of these characteristics in Frankenstein.
3. Create a "time capsule" (physical or digital) containing items that represent these elements (e.g., a short essay on the sublime, a drawing of a ruined castle, a quotation about isolation).
4. Write a short explanation for each item, justifying its inclusion in the time capsule and its relevance to Frankenstein and the Gothic horror genre.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA "Gothic Horror Time Capsule" with carefully selected items and detailed explanations, demonstrating an understanding of the genre and its historical context in relation to Frankenstein.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of discussing how the literary genre of Frankenstein contributes to its meaning and impact by exploring the novel's connection to the Gothic horror tradition.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Frankenstein Portfolio Rubric: Exploring Themes, Ethics, and Genre

Category 1

Plot Summary: Evidence and Understanding (Activity 1)

This category assesses the completeness and accuracy of the plot summary, as well as the student's ability to provide relevant textual evidence to support their summary.
Criterion 1

Completeness and Accuracy

Extent to which the plot summary covers all major events and details of the novel accurately.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and accurate plot summary that covers all major events and key details with precision.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a mostly accurate and complete plot summary that covers most major events and key details.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a plot summary that is missing some major events or contains inaccuracies.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides an incomplete or inaccurate plot summary with significant omissions and errors.

Criterion 2

Textual Evidence

Quality and relevance of textual evidence (quotes and page numbers) provided to support the plot summary.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides highly relevant and compelling textual evidence (quotes and accurate page numbers) for each key section of the novel, demonstrating a deep understanding of the text.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides relevant textual evidence (quotes and page numbers) for most key sections of the novel, demonstrating a good understanding of the text.

Developing
2 Points

Provides some textual evidence, but it may be weak, irrelevant, or missing for some key sections.

Beginning
1 Points

Provides little or no textual evidence to support the plot summary.

Category 2

Ethical Debate: Argumentation and Analysis (Activity 2)

This category assesses the student's ability to analyze and debate the ethical implications of Victor Frankenstein's scientific endeavors, demonstrating critical thinking and argumentation skills.
Criterion 1

Argumentation and Support

Strength and clarity of arguments presented for and against Victor's actions, supported by evidence from the novel and contemporary examples.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents exceptionally strong and well-reasoned arguments for both sides of the ethical dilemma, supported by compelling evidence from the novel and relevant contemporary examples.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents clear and well-reasoned arguments for both sides of the ethical dilemma, supported by evidence from the novel and relevant contemporary examples.

Developing
2 Points

Presents arguments for both sides of the ethical dilemma, but they may be weak, unclear, or lacking in sufficient evidence.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents a weak or one-sided argument with little or no supporting evidence.

Criterion 2

Analysis of Ethical Implications

Depth of understanding and analysis of the ethical implications of Victor's scientific pursuits and their relevance to modern science and technology.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the ethical implications of Victor's actions, connecting them to complex issues in modern science and technology with insightful analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the ethical implications of Victor's actions and connects them to relevant issues in modern science and technology.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates a basic understanding of the ethical implications of Victor's actions, but struggles to connect them to modern contexts.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates a limited understanding of the ethical implications of Victor's actions.

Category 3

Gothic Horror Time Capsule: Genre Understanding (Activity 3)

This category assesses the student's understanding of the Gothic horror genre and its historical context, as demonstrated through the creation of a time capsule.
Criterion 1

Selection and Justification of Items

Appropriateness and relevance of items selected for the time capsule, and the clarity of the explanations justifying their inclusion.

Exemplary
4 Points

Selects highly appropriate and creative items that represent key elements of the Gothic horror genre, providing insightful and well-supported explanations for their inclusion.

Proficient
3 Points

Selects appropriate items that represent key elements of the Gothic horror genre, providing clear and well-supported explanations for their inclusion.

Developing
2 Points

Selects some items that are relevant to the Gothic horror genre, but the explanations may be weak or unclear.

Beginning
1 Points

Selects items that are not clearly relevant to the Gothic horror genre, and the explanations are missing or inadequate.

Criterion 2

Understanding of Gothic Horror

Depth of understanding of the key characteristics of the Gothic horror genre and its historical context, as demonstrated through the time capsule and explanations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the key characteristics of the Gothic horror genre and its historical context, evident in the thoughtful selection of items and insightful explanations.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the key characteristics of the Gothic horror genre and its historical context.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates a basic understanding of the key characteristics of the Gothic horror genre, but may lack depth in understanding its historical context.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates a limited understanding of the Gothic horror genre.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of the ethical responsibilities of scientists and creators evolved after studying "Frankenstein"?

Text
Required
Question 2

To what extent do you believe Victor Frankenstein should be held responsible for the actions of his creation? Use a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being 'Not at all responsible' and 5 being 'Completely responsible'.

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which aspect of "Frankenstein" do you find most relevant to contemporary society, and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
The dangers of unchecked ambition
The nature of isolation and alienation
The ethical implications of technology
The power of social conditioning
The search for identity