Title – American Literature Poetry Project

By – Carla Brookshire

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Secondary Subjects – Social Studies, Art, Computers / Internet

Grade Level – 9-12

Duration:

Eight 50-minute class periods

Objectives:

Students will be able to develop an understanding of different literary eras in America, as well as an in-depth understanding of one key American poet of their choice.

Day One:

Students are given a list of key American poets, along with samples of their poems. They are to choose a poet from their list for their projects.

Day Two – Three – Four:

Students will go to the computer lab to search for sites about their poet and the time period in which they were/are living and writing.

Students must find the following:

1) A bibliography of possible sources to use in their projects

2) A book on their topic

3) Bibliographical information on their poet

4) A timeline of important historical events during the lifetime of the poet

5) Other famous writers and poets of the time

6) Five to ten poems by their poets

7) Critical essays or reviews of their poet

Days Five, Six, Seven, Eight:

Putting it all together!

Project will include the following:

1) A creative cover

2) One page of biographical information and works cited in MLA format.

3) A timeline (of your creation) of important historical events during the lifetime of the poet

4) A list of other famous writers and poets of the time

5) A list of five to ten poems by the poet, and date published

6) A one page summary of literary criticism on the poet – include works cited.

7) A 3-5 page essay on your poet in MLA format which includes information gathered to prove the following:


What makes your poet a significant American artist?


(Literary criticism must be utilized.)

Sample Thesis:

Walt Whitman is the quintessential American poet because his life and writings exemplify the successes and failure, loves and losses which define the American experience.

E-Mail

Carla Brookshire

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