Big Question: How are rhetorical devices used to impact the audience?
We will be taking a different approach for this unit. Read to find out why:
For this unit we are going to take a different approach than we have in prior years inspired by Mr. Allam who is a teacher, blogger, and coach in Kansas. In his blog he makes the claim that it is better to take sections of one of Shakespeare's plays and really go in depth with it, making kids more independent and accountable, instead of having the teacher simply summarize the entire play for students. This approach requires students to be more active and involved and builds on the skills needed to attack future complex texts. Furthermore, the assessments are all structured around the Common Core Standards including identifying claims and rhetorical devices, summarizing the text, identifying the speakers' purpose, embedding and citing quotes, providing textual support, etc. To see his blog re: this click here.
Because analyzing rhetorical devices is challenging and Shakespeare's writings are complex, we will first establish a sound understanding of rhetorical devices using more accessible texts such a famous movie clips. After establishing a sound understanding of rhetorical devices, students will be prepared to analyze the featured passages of Julius Caesar. Therefore, the anchor text is passages from Julius Caesar. Furthermore, students will utilize the rhetorical devices studied to craft their own persuasive letter on a topic of their choice. Finally, we will conclude the unit comparing and contrasting the successful attempt to overthrow Caesar to one of the unsuccessful attempts to overthrow Hitler.
SEE THE RIGHT SIDE BAR FOR MODERN MOVIE CLIPS AND RESOURCES! Use the scroll bars to access resources out of view.
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