"Every human society possesses a mythology which is inherited, transmitted, and diversified by literature... Literature is a world that we try to build up and enter at the same time."
Northrop Frye, Words with PowerWhy do we spend time analyzing novels in a world dominated by quick clips and AI? The truth is, studying literature is like "weight training" for your brain. It builds the exact skills that top Canadian employers are looking for: critical thinking, empathy, complex problem-solving, and the ability to spot patterns in human behaviour.
In this assignment, you will define your own "professional development" goals for this unit and curate a list of novels that speak to your interests.
Use Gemini to help you connect the dots between a novel study and your personal goals.
Based on the output and your thoughts, develop a plan to use this assignment to help you achieve a personal goal (it doesn't have to be something major: It could be learning about a specific culture or time, or improving your vocabulary, etc.) At the end of the unit, you will need to reflect on whether you achieved the goal, so please take that requirement into account when making your plan, as well.
Deliverable:
Add your ranked list, explanations, and plan to develop your chosen skill to a Google Doc.
Now, find the "textbook" that fits your life. Ask your AI to suggest three different novels based on your interests and the skills you just identified.
Prompt Idea: "I am a Grade 11 student in Ontario. Iām interested in [e.g., environmental justice/tech thrillers/historical drama]. Can you suggest three novels that would help me develop [Your Skill]?" Feel free to customize the prompt with your actual career goals and the specific types of media you already enjoy.
For each suggested novel, write a brief explanation in your Google Doc of why it appeals to you and how it aligns with your skill goals. Then, rank the three novels in order of preference.
Deliverable:
Add the three novel options, your explanation of how they align with your goals, and your ranked preference list to the same Google Doc.
Create videos that do two things: prove the value of literature and pitch your top three book choices. If you want to make one longer video, that's fine, or you're welcome to break up the total into several different videos, but please submit them all as one file.
Consider the issues you've identified in your reflection videos. Whether it was about your lighting, your eye contact, or the way you used Canva overlays, show me that you have taken those notes and made your production even better this time!
Deliverable:
Produce 3-5 minutes of edited video using a combination of the Canva Free Screen Recorder (to show your book choices and rankings from your Google Doc) and the Canva Online Video Recorder (to record yourself), and stitch them together in the timeline. Pitch your learning goals, novel choices, and final selection.
Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.
Your finished "Pitch Video" exported from Canva
We are learning to:
Consider how studying literature can help develop high-value, transferable skills for future careers
Practice organizing ideas into a coherent, well-developed persuasive argument
Refine oral communication skills with a focus on diction, vocal strategies, and non-verbal cues
Expand media production skills by incorporating feedback and trying new techniques in Canva
I can:
identify the purpose and audience for my video and use a variety of speaking strategies to communicate my ideas engagingly
connect my personal goals to the study of literature and develop a logical argument for its value
reflect on my creative process by identifying my strengths and incorporating past feedback into my media production
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge/Understanding | Video demonstrates a thorough understanding of how literary study builds specific, high-value professional skills | Video demonstrates a clear understanding of how literary study builds high-value professional skills | Video demonstrates some understanding of the connection between literature and skill development | Video demonstrates limited understanding of the value of studying literature |
| Thinking/Inquiring | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is exceptionally clear, insightful, and highly organized | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is clear and well-organized | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is mostly clear and organized | Argument regarding the benefits of literature is somewhat clear but lacks organization |
| Application | Video production is significantly improved and masterfully incorporates all prior teacher and self-feedback | Video production incorporates feedback from prior assignments effectively | Some improvement is evident, but a few previously identified technical issues persist | Minimal improvement is evident and previously identified issues remain unaddressed |
| Communication | Speaking and non-verbal cues have improved significantly, showing expert-level growth in response to prior feedback | Speaking and non-verbal cues effectively incorporate feedback from prior assignments | Some improvement in speaking is evident, though some prior habits remain | Minimal improvement in speaking or vocal strategies is demonstrated |
Video demonstrates a thorough understanding of how literary study builds specific, high-value professional skills
Video demonstrates a clear understanding of how literary study builds high-value professional skills
Video demonstrates some understanding of the connection between literature and skill development
Video demonstrates limited understanding of the value of studying literature
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is exceptionally clear, insightful, and highly organized
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is clear and well-organized
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is mostly clear and organized
Argument regarding the benefits of literature is somewhat clear but lacks organization
Video production is significantly improved and masterfully incorporates all prior teacher and self-feedback
Video production incorporates feedback from prior assignments effectively
Some improvement is evident, but a few previously identified technical issues persist
Minimal improvement is evident and previously identified issues remain unaddressed
Speaking and non-verbal cues have improved significantly, showing expert-level growth in response to prior feedback
Speaking and non-verbal cues effectively incorporate feedback from prior assignments
Some improvement in speaking is evident, though some prior habits remain
Minimal improvement in speaking or vocal strategies is demonstrated