"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.
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 a video that does two things: it proves the value of literature and pitches your top three book choices.
Your Video Content:
The Growth Challenge: 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:
Record a 3-5 minute 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 Google Doc containing your career skills inventory, novel shortlist, and rankings
A video explaining your personal learning goals, reviewing three potential novels, and selecting one
We are learning to:
Consider how studying literature can support the development of high-value, transferable skills
Organize ideas into a coherent, well-developed argument about the value of media and text
Improve speaking skills with attention to clarity, vocal strategies, and non-verbal cues
Expand media creation skills by incorporating prior feedback into new technical techniques
I can:
speak clearly and engagingly using effective vocal and non-verbal strategies
connect my personal career or learning goals to the study of literature
develop a logical, well-reasoned argument about the value of studying complex texts
incorporate self-assessment and teacher feedback from prior assignments into my current video production
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking/Inquiring | Develops a very clear, sophisticated, and well-organized argument about literature and high-value skills | Develops a clear, well-organized argument about literature and high-value skills | Develops a mostly clear and organized argument about the value of literature | Develops a somewhat clear argument with limited organization |
| Application | Video production shows significant and expert improvement based on prior feedback | Video production clearly incorporates feedback from prior assignments | Video production shows some improvement, though some previous issues remain | Video production shows limited improvement |
| Communication | Speaking skills show significant, professional-grade improvement in response to prior feedback | Speaking clearly incorporates feedback and shows considerable improvement | Speaking shows some improvement, though delivery may be uneven | Speaking shows limited improvement in clarity or strategy |
Develops a very clear, sophisticated, and well-organized argument about literature and high-value skills
Develops a clear, well-organized argument about literature and high-value skills
Develops a mostly clear and organized argument about the value of literature
Develops a somewhat clear argument with limited organization
Video production shows significant and expert improvement based on prior feedback
Video production clearly incorporates feedback from prior assignments
Video production shows some improvement, though some previous issues remain
Video production shows limited improvement
Speaking skills show significant, professional-grade improvement in response to prior feedback
Speaking clearly incorporates feedback and shows considerable improvement
Speaking shows some improvement, though delivery may be uneven
Speaking shows limited improvement in clarity or strategy