The Changing Language of WAR!

1. Grade 10 Unit #3 a look into Language and Literature The Changing Language of WAR!

2. The BIG Question • How has war changed the way we communicate over time?

3. Crucial things to learn: • How elements of a text can affect the production and reception of that text – consider: audience, purpose, context, text type, style, language • How language changes over time and within societies • How the use of such language changes the way we see the world • How language is indivisible from society, history, and ideas

4. What we’ll do… • Analyze a variety of texts types (poetry, speeches, online materials, film, propaganda, advertisements, etc…) to discover how the TEXTS themselves change over time and how the LANGUAGE embedded in those texts changes over time • Delve into the language and history of a variety of WARS! • Scrutinize at the relationship between: TEXT  WRITER/SPEAKER  AUDIENCE

5. Assessments: • Lots of analysis and discussion • Major essay, creative analytical piece, and an oral presentation • Reading of your memoir and looking into culture in change from the perspective of that author • LOTS of other analytical joy…

6. Language Associated with WarBrainstorm Activity • At your table, using the scratch paper provided, list as many words as you can that you associate with war – include all ideas in this brainstorm! • Consider specific nouns, adjectives, and sensory imagery – use good vocabulary words! You have 7 minutes! • Together, refine this list – choose the more interesting and descriptive words you have • Write these neatly on the cards provided

7. Choosing the Right Words… • How did you go about choosing the BEST words from your long list? • Each table report out • This is what great writers/speakers do in determining what language they choose: • They consider language wisely • They are particular in choosing the best words to communicate their personal sentiments • They consider the impact that language will have on their intended audience

8. Categorize • Now, categorize these words into meaningful groups (you decide how you want to do this) • Once you’ve grouped them, have a discussion about this question: How does the way you categorize your words tell us what you think about war? • Make sure your spokesperson is prepared to share your categories, best words, and answers to this question

9. What You Know About War History • In this unit we will be looking at the language of a variety of wars • I need to know what prior knowledge YOU have about the wars that have ravaged the world in recent history (the last 150 years or so), so I know how must background information to give you. • Let’s brainstorm now…

10. What You Know About War History • Complete this work neatly, perhaps artistically,with the paper and markers provided… • List the various wars you know something about • write this on a horizontal line at the top of your big paper • Underneath each war list what you know about it (why it began, who it involved, where it took place, weapons used, end result, etc…) • Now that you’ve done this, re-categorize your words by gluing them on to your “wars chart” near the wars you think the words best fit! • Be prepared to share what you know about one particular war and the words you associated with it

11. The Wars We’ll Look At • American Civil War • World War I • World War II • Vietnam War • War in Iraq

12. Poetic Response • Write an descriptive poem about the effects of war (a specific war or a war in general), here are the “rules” to this poem: • Use at least 5 of your best words • Use descriptive sensory imagery • Make sure you have a SHIFT in tone or language, i.e. begin with negative and move to positive, vice versa… • Write 10-15 juicy lines HOMEWORK: • Type it, print it, and bring it tomorrow!

13. On to Whitman and poetry…