Modern Land: Adapting Tolstoy for Contemporary Desires
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.In what ways do our modern desires mirror or diverge from those in Tolstoy's era, and how can we creatively reimagine his themes to reflect the consequences of pursuing unlimited desires in today's world?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do modern desires compare to those in Tolstoy's time?
- What are the potential consequences of pursuing unlimited desires in today's world?
- How can we adapt literary themes to resonate with a contemporary audience?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand themes in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?"
- Compare and contrast modern desires with those in Tolstoy's era
- Explore consequences of pursuing unlimited desires
- Adapt literary themes for a contemporary audience
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Desire Auction
Students participate in a "Desire Auction," bidding on modern status symbols (experiences, gadgets, etc.) with limited fictional funds. This simulates prioritizing desires and sparks discussion on their real value and consequences, mirroring Pahom's choices.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Modern Land: Story Blueprint
Students write a short story outline adapting the plot of "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" to a modern setting. This outline should detail the protagonist’s desires, the challenges they face, and the ultimate consequences of their pursuit.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed short story outline, including character sketches, plot points, and a description of the modern setting.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on exploring the consequences of pursuing unlimited desires, adapting literary themes, and aligning with contemporary audiences.Desire Echoes: Then and Now
Students analyze the desires presented in Tolstoy's "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" and brainstorm modern equivalents.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative chart listing desires from the story and their modern counterparts, with brief explanations of their significance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of understanding themes in Tolstoy's story and comparing modern desires with those in the original text.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDesire Echoes: Then and Now Rubric
Desire Analysis
This category assesses the student's ability to analyze desires in Tolstoy's story and connect them to modern equivalents.Understanding of Original Desires
Clarity and depth of understanding of desires in Tolstoy's story.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of the desires presented in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?", going beyond the surface level to explore underlying motivations and cultural contexts.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the desires presented in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?", accurately identifying and explaining key motivations.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the desires presented in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?", but may have some gaps in comprehension or oversimplifications.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a beginning understanding of the desires presented in "How Much Land Does a Man Need?", but struggles to accurately identify and explain key motivations.
Modern Desire Equivalents
Quality and relevance of modern desire equivalents.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides highly insightful and relevant modern equivalents that demonstrate a deep understanding of contemporary culture and motivations. Explanations are exceptionally thorough and insightful.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides relevant modern equivalents that demonstrate a good understanding of contemporary culture and motivations. Explanations are clear and well-supported.
Developing
2 PointsProvides somewhat relevant modern equivalents, but the connections to contemporary culture and motivations are not always clear. Explanations may be superficial or lack detail.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides irrelevant or weak modern equivalents, demonstrating a limited understanding of contemporary culture and motivations. Explanations are minimal or missing.
Analysis of Significance and Consequences
Depth of analysis of the significance and potential consequences of the identified desires.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the significance and potential consequences of both original and modern desires, demonstrating sophisticated critical thinking and awareness of complex issues.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a thorough analysis of the significance and potential consequences of both original and modern desires, demonstrating effective critical thinking and awareness of relevant issues.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of the significance and potential consequences of both original and modern desires, but may lack depth or critical insight.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a minimal analysis of the significance and potential consequences of both original and modern desires, demonstrating limited critical thinking or awareness of relevant issues.