Visual Theme Mapping in 'Of Mice and Men'

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Visual Theme Mapping in 'Of Mice and Men'

Grade 11English15 days

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This project involves 11th-grade students in creating a visual theme map of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men', linking its themes to current societal issues. Students engage in theme identification and analysis, connect these themes to contemporary issues through research, and express their understanding visually using digital tools. The project emphasizes critical analysis, creativity, and presentation skills as students communicate complex literary ideas through innovative visual representations.

Visual MappingLiterary AnalysisContemporary IssuesThematic ConnectionsCreative ExpressionPresentation Skills

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a visual theme map of 'Of Mice and Men' that effectively communicates its literary themes and relates them to today's society, while also evaluating the benefits and limitations of using visual mapping as a tool for literary analysis?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How can the themes in 'Of Mice and Men' be related to current societal issues?
In what ways do visual representations enhance understanding of themes within literature?
How can we effectively communicate complex themes from literature through visual mapping?
Why is it important to connect historical literary themes to modern-day contexts?
What are the limitations and benefits of using visual theme mapping as a tool for literary analysis?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Develop the ability to identify and analyze themes in the novel 'Of Mice and Men'.
Enhance skills in connecting literary themes to contemporary societal issues.
Gain proficiency in using visual mapping as a tool to communicate complex literary ideas.
Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of visual theme mapping in literary studies.
Cultivate analytical thinking and creativity in expressing literary analysis visually.

Indiana English/Language Arts Standards

11-12.RL.2

Primary

Analyze the development of themes in literature and their interaction and development throughout the text.Reason: This standard focuses on theme development in literature, which is central to analyzing 'Of Mice and Men' in the context of the project.

11-12.SL.4

Primary

Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and organization.Reason: As students create and present visual themes, this standard supports their ability to organize and present findings effectively.

11-12.W.7

Secondary

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem.Reason: Students will need to research contemporary societal issues to connect them with the themes from the novel.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7

Supporting

Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem, evaluating how each version interprets the source text.Reason: Although not a direct Indiana standard, this helps analyze different interpretations for visual mapping.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Theme Mapping Race

Organize a competitive 'Theme Mapping Race' where students form teams to quickly identify and visually represent links between the novel's themes and current events. This dynamic and fast-paced environment fosters teamwork and lateral thinking, making abstract connections tangible and relevant.

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Portfolio Activities

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

Activity 1

Theme Discovery Workshop

Facilitate a workshop where students delve into the major themes of 'Of Mice and Men', such as friendship, isolation, and the American Dream. Students will analyze passages from the novel to identify these themes and discuss their significance.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review and discuss the central themes in 'Of Mice and Men' with the class.

2. Form small groups and assign each group a different theme to explore.

3. Guide students to analyze key passages related to their assigned theme.

4. Have each group share their insights with the class.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn annotated list of key themes with corresponding passages and insights.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards11-12.RL.2 (Analyze the development of themes in literature).

Activity 2

Contemporary Connections Research Task

Students research contemporary societal issues that parallel the themes identified in 'Of Mice and Men'. They will gather articles, news reports, or studies that reflect these themes, supporting their findings with evidence.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review the themes identified in the previous activity.

2. Conduct research to find contemporary issues related to these themes.

3. Collect articles, news reports, or studies as evidence of these connections.

4. Organize findings into a research report.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research report linking literary themes to current societal issues with supporting evidence.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards11-12.W.7 (Conduct research projects to connect themes with societal issues).

Activity 3

Visual Mapping Strategy Session

Introduce students to visual mapping techniques and guide them on creating a thematic visual map. Students will use various digital tools to creatively represent the themes of 'Of Mice and Men' and their connections to modern issues.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Introduce visual mapping as a strategy for connecting literary and contemporary themes.

2. Provide tutorials on using digital tools for creating visual maps (e.g., Canva, MindMeister).

3. Have students sketch initial ideas for their visual theme maps.

4. Workshop these ideas in groups for feedback and refinement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityInitial drafts of visual theme maps, integrating literary and societal themes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7 (Analyze multiple interpretations through visual mapping).

Activity 4

Theme Map Expo

Students finalize and present their visual theme maps in an expo format. They will present their thematic connections, explaining how these are reflected in both the novel and contemporary society, using their visual aids effectively.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Final adjustments and enhancements to visual theme maps.

2. Prepare presentations explaining the thematic connections represented in their maps.

3. Organize a class expo where students display and present their completed theme maps.

4. Facilitate a Q&A session where students explain their findings to peers and teachers.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityDisplayed and presented visual theme maps demonstrating literary and societal connections.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards11-12.SL.4 (Present information and findings with effective organization and support).

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Visual Theme Mapping Rubric

Category 1

Literary Theme Analysis

Evaluates the student's ability to identify and analyze themes from the novel 'Of Mice and Men'.

Criterion 1

Theme Identification

Accuracy in identifying major themes from the novel.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies all major themes accurately and thoroughly with insightful analysis.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies most major themes accurately with clear analysis.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some major themes but analysis is limited.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify major themes and provides minimal analysis.

Criterion 2

Supporting Evidence

Use of specific passages and examples from the text to support analysis.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides comprehensive evidence with relevant quotes and explanations.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides clear evidence with relevant examples from the text.

Developing

2 Points

Provides limited evidence with some relevant examples.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides minimal or inaccurate evidence from the text.

Category 2

Research and Societal Connection

Assesses student's research skills and ability to connect literary themes to contemporary societal issues.

Criterion 1

Relevance of Connections

Quality and relevance of connections made between themes and contemporary issues.

Exemplary

4 Points

Draws insightful connections that are highly relevant and supported by strong evidence.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides relevant connections with clear, supportive evidence.

Developing

2 Points

Makes connections but lacks depth and consistency in evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to make relevant connections and provides insufficient evidence.

Criterion 2

Quality of Research

Extent and quality of research conducted to link themes with societal issues.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts thorough research with extensive evidence from diverse sources.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts solid research with sufficient evidence from reliable sources.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts limited research with some relevant evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

Conducts minimal research with little relevant evidence.

Category 3

Visual Mapping and Creativity

Assesses the creativity and effectiveness of visual mapping in communicating themes.

Criterion 1

Visual Clarity and Appeal

Clarity, creativity, and visual impact of the theme map.

Exemplary

4 Points

Theme map is exceptionally clear, creative, and visually engaging.

Proficient

3 Points

Theme map is clear and visually appealing with creative elements.

Developing

2 Points

Theme map is basic with some creative elements but lacks visual clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Theme map lacks clarity and creativity, with minimal visual appeal.

Criterion 2

Integration of Themes

Effectiveness in integrating literary and contemporary themes in the visual map.

Exemplary

4 Points

Exceptional integration of literary and contemporary themes with clear connections.

Proficient

3 Points

Strong integration of themes with clear connections.

Developing

2 Points

Basic integration of themes with partial connections.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal integration with unclear connections between themes.

Category 4

Presentation and Communication

Evaluates student's ability to present their findings and theme maps effectively.

Criterion 1

Presentation Organization

Logical organization and clarity of presentation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presentation is exceptionally well-organized and engaging, with a strong logical flow.

Proficient

3 Points

Presentation is clear and organized with a logical sequence.

Developing

2 Points

Presentation has some organization but lacks clarity in places.

Beginning

1 Points

Presentation is unclear and lacks organization.

Criterion 2

Engagement and Interaction

Ability to engage audience and respond to questions effectively.

Exemplary

4 Points

Engages audience effectively and responds to questions with insight and depth.

Proficient

3 Points

Engages audience and responds to questions clearly and effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Engages audience but struggles with responding to questions.

Beginning

1 Points

Makes minimal effort to engage audience and struggles with questions.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

How did creating a visual theme map of 'Of Mice and Men' help you better understand the novel's themes and their relevance to today's society?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how effective do you think visual mapping was in exploring and presenting connections between 'Of Mice and Men' and contemporary societal issues?

Scale

Required

Question 3

What contemporary issue did your group find most interesting when connecting it to the themes in 'Of Mice and Men'?

Text

Optional

Question 4

What was the most challenging part of the Theme Mapping Race activity for you, and how did you overcome this challenge?

Text

Optional

Question 5

Select one benefit and one limitation of using visual theme mapping for literary analysis from the options provided.

Multiple choice

Optional

Options

Benefit: Enhances creativity; Limitation: Can oversimplify complex themes

Benefit: Encourages collaboration; Limitation: May be too time-consuming

Benefit: Visual appeal and engagement; Limitation: Limited to individuals with visual learning preference