Language and Culture – Chapters 3 and 4
Multicultural Literature – Spring 2005

Overview | Timeline | Detailed Description of Tasks

Description of Project

Students will independently read selections from Encountering Cultures for the chapter assigned, engage in discussion about the chapter, and present the information acquired.

Essential Question
How does cultural language affect values, norms, and standards?

Key Questions – Please check the box next to the question that applies to you.

• Language and Social Power – How does written and/or spoken language help people gain social status?
  1. Article 1 -
  2. Article 2 -
• Language and Bicultural Identity – What are the benefits and detriments of a bilingual society?
  1. Article 1 -
  2. Article 2 -

Overview of Tasks

• Daily Journal – 5 Daily and Homework grades
• Brief Encounter Notes (BEN) – 2 Daily and Homework grades
• Reading Notes – 3 Daily and Homework grades
• Discussion – 2 Quiz grades
• Research – 1 Daily and Homework grade; 1 Quiz grade
• Bulletin Board, Informational Poster, or Public Service Announcement –Quiz grade
• Presentation – Test grade
• Key Question Essay –Essay grade

Notes (Use this space for any notes you need.)

Timeline of Tasks

Detailed Description of Tasks

Daily Journal –5 Daily and Homework Grades
Each entry should be a minimum of a paragraph (6-8 sentences) long. Journals will be submitted Tuesday, February 8.

Daily Journal #1 – What do you know and/or think about your topic?

Daily Journal #2 – What are your thoughts about the Brief Encounters? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?

Daily Journal #3 - What are your thoughts about Article 1? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?

Daily Journal #4 - What are your thoughts about Article 2? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?

Daily Journal #5 – What did you learn from your group discussion? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?

Brief Encounter Notes – 2 Daily and Homework Grades

For the mastery chapter, each student is to read all Brief Encounters, writing notes: “Title,” Author, 1 sentence summary, 1-sentence quotation. Must be submitted by Wednesday, February 2.

After presentations are completed, each student is to read 2 Brief Encounters from the opposite chapter, writing notes in the same format.

Reading Notes – 3 Daily and Homework Grades

Students are to choose 2 additional articles from the chapter and complete 2 Reading Notes graphic organizers. Each article counts as a separate grade. Reading Notes for the first article to be discussed with Ms. Thaler must be submitted by Thursday, February 3. Article 2 Reading Notes are due by Friday, February 4.

After presentations are completed, each student is to read 1 article from the opposite chapter and complete Reading Notes.

Discussion – 2 Quiz Grades

The first article will be discussed with Ms. Thaler individually on Thursday, February 3. Students will receive a grade based on participation.

On Friday, February 4, students will discuss all of their readings (including Article 2) and the key question with peers in the same group. Students will receive a grade based on participation.

Research – 1 Daily and Homework Grade; 1 Quiz Grade

For the individual Daily and Homework Grade, students must submit 5 outside research sources with details needed for a Works Cited page. This research is to be used for the group portion. For the group Quiz Grade, students will submit 5 different types of research resources relevant to the topic.

Bulletin Board, Informational Poster, or Public Service Announcement– Quiz Grade

• Each group will design half a Bulletin Board with information relevant to their topic, including 3 appropriate terms to learn, and answer the key question. May be used in conjunction with the presentation.

• Each group will create an Informational Poster to be posted outside the classroom. The poster must inform their peers who have not studied the topic.

• Each group will create a 30 second Public Service Announcement that would be informative if aired on the weekly video announcements at Osborne High School.

Students are to work on only 1 of the 3 aspects of this assignment and will be graded on the one on which they work. These are to be completed by the end of class Tuesday, February 8.

Presentation – Test Grade

Each group will present their topic to the class in a 15-minute presentation. Presentation should include readings, important terminology, key question, and analysis of topic. Students are encouraged to bring in outside information related to the topic to personalize and involve students. See calendar for date of presentation.

Key Question Essay –Essay Grade

Students will write independently on the key question. Students must include quotations from the texts read and outside research. Final draft of Key Question Essay is due Friday, February 11.