Students will create a visual representation that encapsulates key elements of Southern Gothic literature, drawing from texts explored earlier in the year. They will reflect on how their artwork captures themes such as decay, grotesque characters, and the Southern setting, connecting these to specific Southern Gothic books. This project encourages students to synthesize their understanding of the genre creatively, while addressing the essential question of how their drawing embodies the core elements of Southern Gothic storytelling.
Learning goals
Students will explore and illustrate key elements of Southern Gothic literature through a creative drawing project, deepening their understanding of the genre's themes and motifs. They will reflect on previous lessons to identify and incorporate specific characteristics from Southern Gothic works studied earlier in the year. The project encourages students to critically analyze how their artistic representations capture the essence of Southern Gothic elements, fostering a comprehensive grasp of the genre's unique attributes.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.5: Make strategic use of digital media in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Products
Students will create a visual art piece that encapsulates key elements of Southern Gothic literature. They will draw inspiration from specific Southern Gothic books discussed earlier in the year, incorporating motifs such as decay, eccentric characters, and atmospheric settings. The final artwork will be accompanied by a brief written reflection that connects their artistic choices to the essential question, demonstrating their understanding of Southern Gothic elements.
Launch
Begin the project with a gallery walk featuring images and excerpts from Southern Gothic literature, focusing on key elements such as decay, grotesque characters, and eerie settings. Invite students to jot down initial impressions and connections to previous lessons. Facilitate a brief discussion where students share their thoughts and predictions on how these elements might be represented visually. This shared experience sets the stage for their drawing project, encouraging them to think critically about how they will incorporate these elements into their artwork.
Exhibition
Students will create a visual art piece that represents key elements of Southern Gothic literature, drawing inspiration from specific books studied earlier in the year. These artworks will be displayed in a classroom gallery walk, where students will present their pieces and explain how their work captures the essence of Southern Gothic themes. The gallery walk will include a reflection station where students can write about their creative process and how their understanding of Southern Gothic elements has evolved. This exhibition will allow students to engage with each other's interpretations and provide feedback, fostering a deeper appreciation for the genre.
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Activities
Gallery Walk and Discussion - Engage in a gallery walk featuring images and excerpts from Southern Gothic literature, focusing on elements like decay, grotesque characters, and eerie settings; share impressions in a group discussion to relate these to previous lessons (30 min)
Initial Sketches - Begin drafting initial sketches for the drawing project, inspired by the gallery walk and previous Southern Gothic texts; focus on incorporating key elements discussed (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share initial sketches with peers for feedback, focusing on how well the Southern Gothic elements are represented and suggesting improvements (20 min)
Refinement of Sketches - Refine sketches based on peer feedback, ensuring clear representation of Southern Gothic themes such as decay and eccentric characters (40 min)
Deliverables
1. Visual art piece representing key elements of Southern Gothic literature.
2. A brief written reflection connecting their artwork to the essential question and specific Southern Gothic books.
Preparation
1. Collect images and excerpts from Southern Gothic literature for the gallery walk.
2. Prepare materials for art creation, such as paper, pencils, colored pencils, markers, etc.
3. Set up a space for the gallery walk and exhibition.
4. Create reflection prompts to guide students' written reflections.
