10th Grade  Project 12 weeks

Art & Intelligence: Crafting Stories in Pixels

LPawson
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.5
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

This interdisciplinary course aims to deepen students' understanding of literature and digital arts by exploring complex themes such as intelligence, identity, and societal impact through project-based learning. Students will engage in critical analysis and creative expression, using both textual evidence and digital media to reinterpret classic literary works and make them relevant to contemporary issues. Through collaborative workshops, exhibitions, and critiques, students will develop essential skills in communication, self-directed learning, and artistic creation, culminating in a digital portfolio that showcases their integrated learning journey.

Learning goals

Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing literary themes and characters, and express their understanding through digital art. They will enhance their ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and visual formats. Through collaborative discussions and feedback, students will refine their projects, demonstrating self-directed learning and the strategic use of digital media. They will explore the relationship between intelligence and society, creating narratives that challenge societal norms and deepen their understanding of identity and power dynamics.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.5 - Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Products

Students will create a digital portfolio that includes a multi-paragraph essay analyzing the relationship between intelligence and quality of life, digital art pieces like double exposures and billboards, and a digital mural combining themes from 'Flowers for Algernon' and 'Of Mice and Men'. Throughout the course, students will engage in daily art analysis activities, contributing to their understanding of visual storytelling. The final products will be showcased in a school exhibition, providing a platform for students to present their work and engage in discussions about intelligence, identity, and societal impact.

Launch

Kick off the course with a 'Literary and Digital Arts Mash-Up' workshop where students collaborate in teams to visually reinterpret a scene from 'Flowers for Algernon' or 'Of Mice and Men' using digital art tools. This hands-on activity will immerse students in the themes and characters through both textual analysis and artistic expression. Additionally, initiate a 'Digital Art and Literature Symposium' where students present their research and artistic interpretations, fostering collaborative discussions and setting the stage for deeper exploration of human intelligence complexities.

Exhibition

Students will present their digital murals and portfolios at a school-wide exhibition titled "Intelligence Unveiled: Art and Literature in Dialogue." This event will feature interactive stations where visitors can explore the students' reinterpretations of literary themes through digital art. Attendees will engage in discussions with students about the narratives and perspectives conveyed in their projects, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of intelligence and identity. The exhibition will also include live presentations where students articulate their creative processes and insights gained throughout the course.