A Valentine from Mr. Wermeling

Nonfiction Book Independent Study

Final Deadline: Monday, March 9th

            With this unit, all students will be responsible for the completion of two tasks, each worth 70 points a pop:

1.      An analysis essay exploring a critical notion of your selected text. Your essay should examine some novel or interesting concept by furthering the ideas explored in your selected nonfiction book. Think of this essay as part of the larger discourse community; with this essay, you are entering your voice into a global discussion. As such, your essay should say something new, avant-garde, cutting-edge, or unique. Do not write this essay as if it is just something you “have to do” -- seize upon a specific concern in your nonfiction text and really dive into it. If it helps, try imagining that you are composing this paper for publication in a specific context, like a blog, magazine, or academic journal. Consider making intertextual connections to other books, films, paintings, websites, or other relevant works. As you compose your essay, it may be helpful to ask yourself this question: “What function does my essay serve?” Your essay must be at least 4 pages long. All essays must adhere to standard MLA formatting: 1’’ margins, 12 point Time New Roman font, double spaced, a works cited page, etc. Failure to adhere to proper MLA form will negatively impact your grade. Your paper will be worth a cool 70 points.

2.      A creative project of your design with a one page rationale. This project can truly be ANYTHING, as long as it meaningfully responds to your selected nonfiction text. Reading a historical account of a famous battle? Create a historically accurate diorama. Reading a US president’s autobiography? Write your own autobiography, mimicking or referencing the style of the president. Reading a book about a famous film director’s revolutionary aesthetic? Create a short film that emulates key stylistic qualities of the auteur. Reading a book about the intricacies of the theatre? Write a one act play that shows off what you have learned. Reading a scientific account of the impending environmental apocalypse? Devise a community service project and create a Tumblr blog to document your progress. Reading a chronicle of some bygone artistic movement? Create a painting that demonstrates your newfound knowledge. Reading an athlete’s inspiring story? Write a Sport Illustrated style feature with relevant timelines, photographs, and other graphics. The possibilities are endless. Please capitalize on this unique opportunity to be expressive, thoughtful, and creative. Once you have completed the project, write a one page rationale explaining why you decided to create your unique project and how it meaningfully responds to your text. Your rationale should be single spaced. No MLA style heading is necessary for your rationale. March 9th will be dedicated to the sharing of projects. You may “share” your project however you see fit. Monday’s project sharing could mean simply reading your one page rationale, or it could mean preforming a postmodern rendition of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring on the Nintendo DS in front of the class. Once again, the possibilities are endlessly endless. The project and rationale will also be worth 70 points in total.    

Together, the work you complete for this nonfiction unit will equal 140 points.

 

A painting by Henri Fantin-Latour