World Literature Capstone Project: Spring Semester

Name: ___________________________During 4th Quarter you will embark on an analytical journey of your choice. Consider world topics that you find most interesting, engaging, and concerning. You are going to have the opportunity to find out more about your interests through reading, researching, and forming your own opinions about current world issues.

Your goal is to pursue your interest topic and to identify a major topic, concern, or problem in the world today and create an argument that relates to the impact of your chosen topic or argues a solution to your chosen concern or problem. You will begin this process by choosing and reading works of literature that relate to your area of interest (topic/theme) throughout Quarter 4. Through this reading, you will prepare a project that utilizes reading, writing, critical thinking, and analysis skills.

A “capstone” is a large project that usually occurs at the endpoint of study, for which you utilize skills you have already practiced, but you will perhaps use them in a newer and more comprehensive, meaningful way.

During the process, there will be established work days, reading days, due dates, teacher conferences, etc. You will have time to work on this in class, but you are also expected to work on this outside of class. Always have your texts with you in class, so you are prepared on reading days and conferencing days.

Do not become overwhelmed. Instead, get excited! This becomes your project in your interest area! Also, do not believe you can “throw this together” during the last week or two of class. It will take time to read, process, write, research, talk, etc.

This packet is designed to give you lots of tools, direction, and instruction, not to overwhelm you.

Packet Inclusions: Interest Inventory Time Sheet An Overview of Requirements The Capstone Process: Boiling it Down Instructions for Writing a Capstone Proposal Example Proposal and Works Cited Progress Checklist Calendar Approaches to Effective Reading: Strategies and Expectations Blog Set Up @ Wordpress Portfolio vs Blog Annotated Bibliography Visual Options Presentation Checklist Rubrics for Mastery

o Blogo Portfolioo Presentation

Peer Reflection/Feedback (during Final)

Interest Inventory Name: ________________________ Hr. ____

Please answer the following questions. Take your time and consider your answers. This inventory will be helpful for zeroing in on a topic for the Capstone Project.

1. I am most inspired by: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. The most interesting thing I like to learn about, talk about, or wonder about is: ____________________________________

Because _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. I like to read about: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. I enjoy watching TV or movies about: ____________________________________________________________________________________

5. I would like to take a vacation to: ___________________________________, because ___________________________________________

6. In my free time I like to: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. My favorite food is: ___________________________________, because ___________________________________________________________

8. My favorite song or musician is: __________________________________________________________________________________________

9. In the future, I would like to be: __________________________________________________________________________________________

10. If I could invent something to make the world a better place, it would be: ___________________________________________

11. The person I most admire is ____________________________, because _______________________________________________________

12. Things I dislike are _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. My favorite sport is: ______________________________________________, because ______________________________________________

14. My hobbies are: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Below, circle the kind(s) of reading you like. Star your favorites. Underline those you have written yourself. If you would Like to write a type in the future, write a (L). If there is a type you have never read or do not know, put a box around it.

Historical FictionScience FictionAdventure StoriesDetective StoriesComic BooksPlays

Movie ScriptsFairy TalesBiographiesAutobiographiesNewspapersTravel Writing

EssaysNovelsHistoryPoetryScienceMagazines

PhilosophyE-ZinesOther:

Check any places below that you have visited.

______ Farm ______ Circus______ Play ______ College ______ Museum

______ Water park ______ Zoo ______ Concert ______ Ballgame ______ Aquarium

______ Amusement park______ Farmers market______ Another Country______ (other place of interest)

Write about some of the places you have visited outside of Rochester ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What interests do you have outside of school? _________________________________________________________________________________

What school activities do you enjoy? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

What global issues are you most concerned about (global warming, pollution, genocide, equal rights, etc.) ____________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What change do you want to see around Mayo, Rochester, Minnesota, USA, or the World? ___________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

World Literature Time Sheet Record your daily efforts in accomplishing your final product.Capstone Project Make sure your work reflects this time allotment.Work Day What I accomplished today:

Tu. Apr 8

Wed. Apr 9 Early Release Day.

Th. Apr 10

Fri. Apr 11

Sat/Sun Apr 12/13

Mon Apr 14 No Homework Night.

Tu. Apr 15

Wed. Apr 16

Th. Apr 17

Fri. Apr 18

Sat/Sun Apr 19/20

Mon. Apr 21

Tu. Apr 22 Talent Show Schedule.

Wed. Apr 23

Th. Apr 24

Fri. Apr 25

Sat/Sun Apr 26/27

Mon. Apr 28

Tu. Apr 29

Wed. Apr 30

Th. May 1

Fri. May 2

Sat & Sun May 3-4

Mon. May 5

Tu. May 6

Wed. May 7

Th. May 8

Fri. May 9

Sat & Sun May 10-11

Mon. May 12

Tu. May 13

Wed. May 14

Th. May 15

Fri. May 16

Sat & Sun May 17-18

Mon. May 19

Tu. May 20

Wed. May 21

Th. May 22

Fri. May 23

Sat & Sun May 24-25

Mon. May 26 Memorial Day. No Classes.

Tu. May 27

Wed. May 28 Capstone Presentations Begin! Peer Feedback & Reflection through Final Exams

World Literature: Capstone Calendar, Ms. Monson

An Overview of Requirements

I. Reading Requirements: One nonfiction or fiction text (preferably a book, a “major work of writing”) Three poems that thematically link to your topic Two short stories that thematically link to your topic

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

4/7 Q3 Mastery TicketE-Term SurveyCapstone Intro & Exmpl.HW: Complete Interest Inventory. Brainstorm topic.

4/8 Capstone Intro. (continued)Organize Tasks

Brainstorm topic & potential Resources

4/9 – Early Release.Conference with Monson about ideas for proposal.

Plan Steps.Reading Day.

4/10 Lab: 2-203 Type proposal, gather sources

Conference with Monson about proposal

4/11 Center Section, Media Center.

Type proposal, gather sources

4/14Reading DayMLA Works Cited ReviewNo Homework Night

4/15 Lab: 2-203Set Up Blog

4/16 Lab: 2-203Finish Blog Set Up.Gather Resources, Research.

4/17Concept Map.Map Conferencing

4/18Early Proposal: Conference w/ Monson, hard copy.

4/21Hard copy Proposal Due.Conference w/ MonsonRead in class.

4/22Reading Day.Proposal Conferences

4/23Reading Day.Rework Proposal Conferences

4/24Reading Day.Progress Check w/ Monson.

4/25Reading Day.Progress Check w/Monson

4/28Fielding Questions and Redirection.

4/29 Lab: 2-203

Gather Sources, Work on Blog, Post Proposal

4/30 Lab: 2-203Gather Sources.Due to Blog:Book: 1 entryArticle: 1 entry

5/1 Media Center.Gather Sources.Due to Blog:Book: 1 more entryVisual or Link: 1 entry

5/2 (Big 9 Music)

Media Center: Blog,Gather Sources and Prepare Visuals

5/5 Due to Blog:Book - 3 entriesPoem - 1-2Articles – 2Reading & Conferencing

5/6Reading DayProgress Check-In and “Blog Show 1”

5/7Reading DayProgress Check-In and “Blog Show 1”

5/8Reading DayProgress Check-In and “Blog Show 1”

5/9 Reading.

Called Students:Progress Check-In and “Blog Show”

5/12Called Students Check In.Progress Conferencing.Preparing Presentation.

5/13Presentation Conferencing

“Blog Show 2”

5/14Presentation Conferencing

“Blog Show 2”

5/15Presentation Conferencing

“Blog Show 2”

5/16Early “12th Blog” Findings turn in and Conferencing.

5/19Early “12th Blog” Findings turn in and Conferencing.

Early Outline Check.

5/20“12th Blog” Findings hardcopy Due today, last okay.Sign up for presentation time slot. Reading.

5/21 Media Center

Finalize Blog Posts. Post “12th Blog” of Findings.

Prepare Visuals

5/22Portfolio Assembly

Last “12th Blog” Conferences.

5/23Review Presentation,Work Day.Project Outline Check.

5/26 No School.Memorial Day.

5/27Portfolio Assembly.Presentation Practice.Outline Check.

5/28Capstone Presentations,Peer Feedback

5/29Capstone Presentations,Peer Feedback

5/30 PBIS & Yrbook

Capstone Presentations,Peer Feedback

6/2 CapstonePresentations, PeerFeedback

Portfolio Pick-Up

6/3Capstone Presentations,Peer Feedback

6/4Final Exams: 1, 2, 3

Portfolio Pick-Up

6/5 Finals: 4, 5, 6

Capstone Presentations & Reflection Writing

6/6 Final Exams: 7, 8, & make-up.

Portfolio Pick-Up

Three to Five scholarly articles that thematically link to your topic One play or documentary/film that thematically links to your topic

II. Portfolio: Note-Taking and Source Requirements Project Proposal that highlights your topic, establishes a potential direction for analysis, and explains

why you chose your topic. This is like a rough thesis, ideally your “major work of writing” and topic are linked. (Example attached, Zehnder.)

Reading Journals are your original writing and notes about your reading that reflect awareness and use of reading strategies (summary, question-asking, prediction, etc.)

o Include 3 poems with notes (2 by world authors, not American)o Include 2 short stories with notes (1 by world author, not American)o Include notes from your chosen drama/play or documentary/film, and when you viewed it

Research : 3-5 professional or scholarly articles linked/related to your topic, read and annotated Annotated Bibliography of all your professional sources, texts, sources, visuals, etc. All resources.

III. A working Blog with findings, analysis, links to supporting information, images, etc. The blog reveals your thinking throughout the entire reading and research process. The blog should reflect or reveal

o your original perspectives, o how your reading impacts your thoughts, over time as your thoughts develop with your

reading and research,o and how your “so what?” evolves and becomes a position or an argument.

Support for your position or argument should be included on your blog in the form of speeches, articles, and links from credible sources.

Twelve (12) Blog Entries (minimum)- minimum might suggest that you thoughtfully complete moreo 7 = (minimum of 175 words each) o 4 = Videos, Artwork, Music o 12th = Your findings, the “so what?” factor, synthesizing 3 sources, written with quality (750-

1,000 words)

IV. Presentation: 5-7 minute presentation about your research, essay topic, findings, “so what?”During your Final Exam time (or in a prior time slot) you will present to peers and teacher(s). Your presentation will cover your topic, why you chose the specific project, how the process worked for you, and what you ultimately learned throughout the project. It would be wise to somehow incorporate even a brief display of your Blog for this project. [This is you Final Exam for Semester II]

Presentation “Extras” Real World Application: Evidence that you Personally Embedded yourself in the Project with

Involvement Activities to involve your audience, to be engaged in creative ways during your presentation

You can access a sample Capstone Project at http://www.capstoneprojectexample.wordpress.com

The Capstone Process: Boiling it Down

Choose your topic Draft your proposal (see proposal assignment and example in this packet) Begin reading and taking notes on the text(s) that link to your theme/topic Locate, read and take notes on poetry, short stories, and drama/play that link to your topic

Be sure to retain source information for annotated bibliography and works cited Begin blog & update frequently Continue reading texts (book, poetry, short stories, and drama) and taking notes on your reading Research* your topic and find 3-5 scholarly/professional sources (as a minimum) on your topic;

three (3) of your sources must be written articles Continue frequently updating blog on your thought process, findings, and position Identify your position/argument/so what? Create outline for presentation Present your findings

* Research (beyond 3 minimum written articles) Can Include: Interviews with experts in your field of study or topic Shadowing opportunities with people in your field of study Documentaries on your topic

Instructions for Writing a Capstone Proposal

Write a proposal that indicates your capstone topic choice. Your proposal should include the following:

Explain your topic of choice

Explain why you are choosing this topic and what you are hoping to learn

Explain how this topic has world impact

Include two critical sources about your topic that help specify a need for your research.

Your two critical sources should be integrated smoothly into your proposal with an MLA

formatted works cited page attached to your proposal.

Determine a possible so what? [A position or argument about your topic; this can change,

but I want to know where you stand right now on your topic and what you hope to prove

through your research.]

A Sample Capstone Proposal by Mrs. Whitney follows on the next pages.

Stefanie Zehnder Zehnder 1

World Literature

Mrs. Whitney

29 April 2012

Capstone Proposal: Immigration Building a Nation

New York City is a metropolis built on the hard work of many generations of people from

different countries, ethnicities, and cultures. Professor of History at New York University, Hasia

Diner, states, “Tens of millions of immigrants over four centuries have made the United States what

it is today. They came to make new lives and livelihoods in the New World; their hard work

benefited themselves and their new home country” (Diner). Many of these immigrants came through

Ellis Island and settled in New York City, becoming a meeting ground of the world’s most brilliant,

ruthless, steadfast, and adventurous. What is it about New York City that draws thousands of

people each year to move to her cramped quarters? Why do millions of people enter the subways,

stare in awe at the lights of Times Square, or stand at the base of the Statue of Liberty amazed at her

size and symbolism? Essentially, it is the message the Lady embodies that speaks to all of us. She

welcomes “…your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” People continue

to flock to New York City in search of this freedom, yet the Statue of Liberty also suggests that

people "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" It is in this message that the true story of the

United States of America is told.

The Statue suggests that people can come here to find a new life while still holding on to the

traditions of their past. New York is a symbol of all the people of the world coming together in one

city. My Capstone focus is about this merging of various ethnicities, cultures, and people. I will

research the various groups of people who built New York City and whose descendants now call her

home. What is their past? How have they held on to this past while living in a new place? The

Zehnder 2

question of how immigrants adapt to their new environment is not new; in fact, Tomas Jimenez

addresses this topic in his article “Immigrants in the United States: How Well are They Integrating

into Society?” written in 2011. Jimenez states, “Fears about the inability of immigrants to integrate

have been present in the United States for as long as there have been immigrants” (Jimenez 2). So,

how does a country built on immigrants become more accepting of those new to our shores? And

what does the future hold for the “newest” immigrants? I am passionate about this topic because I

believe that without continued acceptance of all ethnicities, cultures, and races, the future looks

bleak for this country built by all people of the world.

[Technically the Works Cited belongs on separate sheet; as example here, it is saving LOTS of paper.]

Works Cited

Diner, Hasia. Immigration and U.S. History. 13 February 2008. 14 June 2012.

<http://www.america.gov

Jimenez, Tomas. "Improving US and EU Immigration Systems." May 2011. Immigrants in the

United States. 2012 June 2012.

<http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/integration-Jimenez.pdf>.

Progress Check List – This is NOT a Final Check List. This is to track your progress..

Pick a world topic: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Related book/ “major work of writing” and author: ___________________________________________________________

I cleared this writing and author with Ms. Monson on ________________

Portfolio and (or as) Online Blog includes:a. Topic explanation: Proposal b. Links: minimum of 2-3 critical essays (at least 2 non-fiction) relating to topic, annotated, and linked

onto your blog

Title of critical essay and author(s)_______________________________________________________________________________

Title of critical essay and author(s)_______________________________________________________________________________

Title of critical essay and author(s)_______________________________________________________________________________

c. Annotated Bibliography: included on blog and based on critical essays (above “b”), texts, etc.d. Images: visuals relating to your topic with explanations why you chose to put each visual on your

blog and how it relates to topic (minimum of 4)e. Minimum of 8 blogs of your own insights: questions, thoughts, this topic journey, analysis. etc

Blog Dates: _________ , _________ , _________ , _________ , _________ , _________ , _________ , _________ , ___________

Project: Documentary/Film. Prezi, music, visuals, etc. Video or interviews with relevant sources. Map (representative of your topic and its impact on the world). Community experience reflected in a visual of choice (Volunteering, Shadowing, Professional interview). All written on and/or linked to your Blog.

Project Idea: this is the how, the method, you want to use to reveal your work:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Presentation: 5-7 minutes, explaining to Ms. Monson and peers your “so what”…a. Why were you drawn to this topic? b. Why is this topic important to the world, and how does your research support that?c. Tell about your journey researching and analyzing itd. What will you take from it? What you’ve learned!e. etc.

Presentation plan: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Approaches to Effective Reading: Strategies and Expectations Name: ____________________ Hour: __ Date: ___________

Consider this a rubric of reading skills, as you think about how you are reading your texts.

Good readers ask questions about what they are reading. o Comments:

Good readers make predictions about the story, article, poem, play.o Comments:

Project outline completed and shown to Ms. Monson________________________

Good readers think beyond the text to cultural connections and how the reading material applies to his/her own life, society, world.

o Comments:

Good readers fill in gaps, draw conclusions, about their reading through context clues and logical interpretations.

o Comments:

Good readers go back to earlier points in the story and answer questions or resolve issues that arose while reading.

o Comments:

Good readers recognize connections between texts and/or authors and their own lives. o Comments:

Good readers reflect critically on the text—perhaps agree or disagree with a viewpoint of the author or character(s) in the text.

o Comments:

Good readers understand many parts of the text—characters, setting, literary devices, etc., and how they work together within the text.

o Comments:

Good readers are able to summarize the text frequently to show knowledge of the text. o Comments:

Good readers make connections between the text and their own ideas, experiences, knowledgeo Comments:

Good readers become emotionally engaged with the texto Comments:

Good readers understand connections between the text and universal significance or BIG questions, issues common to humankind.

o Comments:

Feedback:

I’m going to work on the following:

Adapted from A Measure of Success: From Assignment to Assessment in English Language Arts by Fran Claggett

Blog Set-Up

1.) Go to Wordpress.com2.) Click on “Get Started”3.) Enter VALID email address, username, password, and blog address (use your name, nickname, topic

= something you will remember!)

a. Give me your username, password and blog address (I won’t share.)b. Enter this info in your phone or in a notebook/binder you will not lose.

4.) Choose “no thanks…”5.) Click on Create Blog6.) Check your email—as directed7.) Activate your Blog8.) Once activated, make sure the URL is what you want it to be. 9.) Change your tagline; something clever about you, the capstone, or your topic. You can change this. 10.) Next, choose your theme.

a. (There are a LOT of options—choose one that reflects a tone that fits you & your topic. You can change this, so don’t panic if you don’t yet know your topic.)

b. Make sure you do not choose one that costs money—this is noted on the theme image. 11.) You will be asked to Customize your blog—this costs money = do not spend time on this. 12.) Make your first post = choose text for an easy option or images to raise the bar. 13.) Once published, you will be delivered to your Dashboard. The Dashboard is where all the

magic happens. 14.)Play around in the Dashboard and gain some comfort with your options. I will give you more tips in

class.

A very Cool Resource: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. http://www.metmuseum.org/

There, you will find artwork from ancient cultures to contemporary cultures. You can search by topic, geographic region, artist, artistic media, …. So many options! Plus, there are videos and lectures!

Portfolio vs Blog

Portfolio

In this order:

I. Capstone Proposal-Revised/Final copy-Edited/First copy

II. Reading Journal -Reading strategies-see notes

(prediction, summary, questions, etc.) -This can be on your blog IF you have a separate page on your blog for reading journal and photos of annotated documents

III. Critical essays or articles (3-5). You can take notes directly on articles.

IV. Annotated Bibliography

Due Date for Portfolio: The Day You Present.

Blog

In no particular order:

I. Purpose of research (You can copy and paste your proposal!)

II. Your insights, evolving thoughts, research, findings, ideas regarding your topic.

III. References to your book if it changes the way you think about your topic –or- if it confirms the way you think about your topic.

IV. Quotations about your topic that you want to share AND explain the significance in regard to your topic.

V. Links to related YouTube videos, Ted Talks, websites, books, articles, etc., about your topic. Be sure to explain how they link to your topic or position and why you are highlighting them on your blog.

Ultimate goal of your blog:

Prove that you read, researched, and learned through this process. You are showing me how and what you THOUGHT as you worked through the topic you chose….

Your Blog is an On-Going work in-progress until the day you present.

Due Date for Final Blog: The Day You Present.

WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?

(Michael Engle, 2011) Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

THE PROCESS

Creating an annotated bibliography calls for the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research.

Frequently asked question:

Q: How is the reading journal different than the blog?

A: The goal of the reading journal (highlighted portion above) is to show you know and can use the reading strategies we used ALL YEAR. You must prove your ability to work through texts, reading materials. TAKE NOTES.

First, locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic.

Second, briefly examine and review the actual items. Then choose those works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.

Third, cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style.

Last, write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that:

evaluate the authority or background of the author comment on the intended audience compare or contrast this work with another you have cited

OR explain how this work illuminates/highlights your topic.

SAMPLE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRY FOR A JOURNAL ARTICLEThis example uses the MLA format for the journal citation. NOTE: Standard MLA practice requires double spacing within citations.

Waite, Linda J., Frances Kobrin Goldscheider, and Christina Witsberger. "Nonfamily Living and the Erosion of Traditional

Family Orientations

Among Young Adults." American Sociological Review 51.4 (1986): 541-554. Print.

The authors, researchers at the Rand Corporation and Brown University, use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of

Young Women and Young Men to test their hypothesis that nonfamily living by young adults alters their attitudes, values,

plans, and expectations, moving them away from their belief in traditional sex roles. They find their hypothesis strongly

supported in young females, while the effects were fewer in studies of young males. Increasing the time away from parents

before marrying increased individualism, self-sufficiency, and changes in attitudes about families. In contrast, an earlier

study by Williams cited below shows no significant gender differences in sex role attitudes as a result of nonfamily living.

Michael Engle, A. B. (2011, April 1). How To Prepare an Annotated Bibliography. Retrieved June 13, 2012 from Cornell University Library. http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill28.htm

Visual Options for your Presentation: [Brainstorm more….]

Documentary that you will link to your blog Prezi—interactive = music, visuals, etc. Video that includes interviews with relevant sources (linked to your blog) Map—representative of your topic and its impact on the world….

Community experience reflected in a visual of choice (video, pictures, etc.)

o Volunteeringo Shadowingo Professional interview

*Remember that you will verbally explain your visual; you will be presenting your topic, essay findings, and relevancy to the world. The visual should support your position on your topic, your “so what?”

Capstone Presentation Check List

Short, attention getting introduction Prepared Outline (and any notes you may need)

o Explain your topic, why you chose the specific project, how the process worked for you, and what you ultimately learned throughout the project (explain your position, your “so what?”).

Completed Portfolio that you will hand in Completed Blog (that you should show) Rubrics (for you to hand to your teacher before presenting) Peer Reflection Sheets (for your group members) – Ms. Monson will handle copies of this Use digital media (look at presentation rubric for this) Be informative (use information from your multiple research materials) Entertain throughout – maintain interest. Show or tell about project; explain what you discovered. “So what?” Use visuals – consider using your blog, which should already utilize visuals Conclude with a feeling of closure and leave audience with memorable thoughts Time: 5-7 minutes

Presentation “Extras” Real World Application: Evidence that you Personally Embedded yourself in the Project with

Involvement Activities to involve your audience or to interact creatively during your presentation