Interpreting Literature Through the Lens of Conformity

Aim: How do we interpret literature through the lens of conformity? 

Quick Write: List the expectations 1) you have for yourself, 2) your family has for you, and 3) your culture or society has for you. Then compare and contrast them in a well-organized paragraph. Are the expectations much different? Explain.

Today we will begin a new unit, interpreting literature through the lens of conformity and individuality. To warm up, interpret the above famous painting by Norman Rockwell through the lens of conformity. What do you see? In detail. What do you think Rockwell was trying to say?

We have some enduring understandings and essential questions to guide us through this unit. An enduring understanding is an understanding that we hope you will keep with you for the rest of your life. 

There are two enduring understandings we hope you carry away from this unit:

• To some degree we all must and do conform to our culture's expectations.
• Our culture and families shape us as individuals.

Do you agree?

An essential question is an open-ended question that cannot be answered with a yes or no. It has no right or wrong answer.    It is a

question designed to make you think. The answers shouldn't come easy and they may change as we dive deeper into the unit.One of the essential questions of the last unit was:

• What does it mean to be part of a group?

Step 1: Write at least one well organized paragraph responding to the above question. Is it easier now to answer than it was back in February?

Step 2: Here are some other essential questions to guide us through this unit.

• How are we shaped by our culture, family and ourselves?
• Why are we so influenced by others?
• How are we individually influenced by our various social circles?
• Why is it important to recognize these influences?

Thinking about all of this, write at least one essential question to guide us through this unit. We will share them all out before you leave.

Step 3: Complete a final reflection answering one of the essential questions discussed today in a well-organized paragraph.

Discussion Question!!!!
What was the most interesting question or comment you heard today in class? Put your thoughts on the comment section below and earn one extra credit Accountable Talk II point.

What's Due

• Argument essays are due!!!! 
• PowerPoint on the human behavior experiments 
• Daily classwork/blog posts 
• Independent reading book 

***Don't forget to complete and turn in your "Six Elements of Engagement Daily Self-Tracker" before leaving class.

****Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.****

If you read this far, see me privately for the keen observer award. (Day two.)