Lesson 2 - Letters, Self Portrait or Visual Response

Unit 2: Exploration of Cultural Identity

LESSON TWO - LETTERS, SELF PORTRAIT OR VISUAL RESPONSE (5 days)

Out of the list, read all of the literary selections and complete ONE assignment outlined on the next page.
Label this assignment E102U2L2surname and submit it to the Assignment Folder labeled U2L2 Self

INTRODUCTION

In our lives, we seek insight, advice and validation from external sources such as friends, colleagues, family, mentors, etc. At times, outside feedback comes with subjective bias and values. Outside feedback may be a valuable resources, but independent thought and self reflection is sometimes necessary to establish an accurate understanding of oneself. 

 RESOURCES

"Letters to High School Selves"
"Self Portrait"
"Untitled"

Read the following literary selections (linked under Resources)

1. "Letters to High School Selves" Letter, by Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas and North of 60)

Before reading:

Anticipate what kind of advice a famous actor might offer to a high school student.

Exploration - As you read this letter, summarize, in two or three sentences, the advice Cardinal gives in his letter.

2."Self Portrait" Visual, by David Clifton

Exploration - Look over the image and, in one or two sentences, describe the picture.

3. "Untitled" Photograph, by Nadya Kwandibens.

Exploration - As you view this photograph, consider the main theme that is expressed in this visual.

Unit 2: Exploration of Cultural Identity

LESSON TWO - LETTERS, SELF PORTRAIT OR VISUAL RESPONSE 
Choose to complete only ONE of the following assignments...

CHOICE ASSIGNMENTS - Choose ONLY ONE of  Number 1, 2, or 3 to complete.

After reading all the above selections, complete ONE of the following assignments:
Label this assignment E102U2L2surname and submit it to the following Assignment Folder - U2L2 Self - Choice

1. LETTER - “Letters to High School Selves” – Jeff Francis (Rocky View Schools anthology)
Listen to the song, Letter to Me, by Brad Paisley
Then, read the story, “Letters to High School Selves"
Imagine yourself successful in the future.  Following this author’s example, write a minimum six paragraph letter or create a video of your 'future self' speaking to your high school self.  Consider the advise might you offer?

OR...

2. SELF PORTRAIT - “Self Portrait” by David Clifton (Rocky View Schools anthology) 
View "Self -Portrait (by David Clifton and create a self- portrait in a format of your choice, such as a painting, computer-generated illustration, collage, sculpture or animoto presentation.  Depending on the format of your self portrait, you will need to post a digital image, provide a link or simply post the work, itself. (if providing a URL, simply copy it into the Word document that contains your deconstruction).
In a Word document, include a well written de constructive paragraph that fully explains how your self-portrait represents you. 
Things to include:
   * Why did you choose the images/symbols/colors, etc. that you did? (explain in relation to your personal identity)
   * Why did you place your images/symbols/colors, etc.in the format that you did? (explain in relation to your personal identity)
   * Did you enhance your portrait with music? If so, why did you select the music that you did? (explain in relation to your personal identity)

Refer to the following sample self-portraits to get started:
http://emilykiel.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/typeportraitex.jpg
http://www.abcgallery.com/A/arcimboldo/arcimboldo9.html

OR...

3. VISUAL RESPONSE - study the photo, "Untitled" (Rocky View Schools anthology)

   Choice A – Following the guidelines within the link, write a Visual Reflection
              Study the photo, "Untitled".
              Reflect upon the ideas and impressions suggested by the photo and then write a visual reflection. 
              What ideas and impressions does the visual text suggest to you? 
              Consider the context, and develop your response by referring to the visual text.
              Questions to consider in your response are as follows:
                   > What main theme is expressed in this photo?
                   >  What effect does the young woman looking at the camera have in this photo?  
                   >  How does this connect to the photographer’s statement of inspiration?

In your writing you should

• select a prose form that is appropriate to the ideas you wish to express and that will enable you to effectively communicate to the reader (short essay, diary entry, journal entry, newspaper article, editorial, interior monologue, short story, personal observation, etc.)
• discuss ideas and impressions that are meaningful to you
• respond from a personal, critical and/or creative perspective
• consider how you can create a strong unifying effect

Unit 2: Exploration of Cultural Identity

LESSON TWO - LETTERS, SELF PORTRAIT OR VISUAL RESPONSE (Five Days)

EVALUATION

This assignment is evaluated based on the following RUBRIC

• Thought and Support - /10
• Writing Skills - /10 
• Total - 20 marks

CONCLUSION

At the heart of human experience often lies the desire for self-definition and self-understanding. Developing an understanding of who we are, for what purpose we exist and how we should live is a basic impulse of human consciousness.