Asynchronous Academy

Why Study Literature

Department
ENGLISH

There are numerous reasons why a person might choose to study literature. In this assignment, you'll engage with your Language Learning Model (LLM) to establish personal goals for the upcoming unit. Additionally, you'll create a video recommending three novels that could help students in similar situations find a novel they will enjoy.

Assignment

  1. Explore Reasons for Studying Literature

    • Ask your LLM about the reasons people study literature and collaborate to devise a plan to use the forthcoming novel study assignment to enhance skills that are meaningful to you.
    • Suggested prompts: "What skills do novel studies help develop in students?" followed by "I am doing a novel study, and I would like to work on [a skill you choose]. How can I develop that skill with the novel study?"

  2. Select Novels for Study

    • Request that your LLM suggests different novels for you, compiling a list of at least three viable choices.
    • Suggested prompt: "I am a [your grade] student and am choosing a novel for a novel study. [Describe your interests and preferences, including skills from the last step]. Can you suggest a few novels that would be good for someone in my situation?"

  3. Create a Video

    • Produce a video that persuades students like you that novel studies are worthwhile and explains why someone would read novels like those on your list. Announce your chosen novel as a teaser for your video.

Assessment

Pre-Submission

Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.

What to Turn In

  • 📤
    Pre-Submission Self-Assessment Google Doc
  • 📤

    A video explaining your goals, reviewing three potential novels, and selecting one.

Learning Goals

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

  • 🎯

    Improve speaking skills with attention to clarity, vocal strategies, non-verbal cues, and visual aids

  • 🎯

    Expand media creation skills by experimenting with new techniques

Success Criteria

I can:

  • ✅

    Speak clearly and engagingly using appropriate vocal and non-verbal strategies

    Expectations Covered: OC2
  • ✅

    Connect my personal goals to the study of literature and explain why those connections are meaningful

    Expectations Covered: RLS4
  • ✅

    Develop a logical, well-reasoned argument about the value of studying literature

    Expectations Covered: W1
  • ✅

    Incorporate self-assessment and teacher feedback from prior assignments into my media production

    Expectations Covered: MS3

Rubric

Category Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1
Thinking / Inquiry
How effectively does the student develop an argument about how literature builds high-value skills?
 Develops a very clear, well-organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills Develops a clear, well-organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills Develops a mostly clear and organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills Develops a somewhat clear and organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills
Application
How effectively does the student apply feedback to improve video production?
 Video production shows significant improvement based on prior feedback Video production clearly incorporates feedback from prior assignments Video production shows some improvement, though previously identified issues remain Video production shows limited improvement, with previously identified issues remaining
Communication
How effectively does the student demonstrate improvement in speaking skills?
 Speaking shows significant improvement in response to prior feedback Speaking clearly incorporates feedback from prior assignments Speaking shows some improvement, though previously identified issues remain Speaking shows limited improvement, with previously identified issues remaining
Thinking / Inquiry
Criteria: How effectively does the student develop an argument about how literature builds high-value skills?
Level 4

Develops a very clear, well-organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills

Level 3

Develops a clear, well-organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills

Level 2

Develops a mostly clear and organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills

Level 1

Develops a somewhat clear and organized argument about how literature builds high-value skills

Application
Criteria: How effectively does the student apply feedback to improve video production?
Level 4

Video production shows significant improvement based on prior feedback

Level 3

Video production clearly incorporates feedback from prior assignments

Level 2

Video production shows some improvement, though previously identified issues remain

Level 1

Video production shows limited improvement, with previously identified issues remaining

Communication
Criteria: How effectively does the student demonstrate improvement in speaking skills?
Level 4

Speaking shows significant improvement in response to prior feedback

Level 3

Speaking clearly incorporates feedback from prior assignments

Level 2

Speaking shows some improvement, though previously identified issues remain

Level 1

Speaking shows limited improvement, with previously identified issues remaining