English Literature 12

Poem Exploration Assignment
After a lengthy and in depth consultation with some of my trusted, top level advisors (thanks Angelina and Ellie!), you are to complete the following assignment (Ok, so it wasn’t all that lengthy, or in depth, but they gave the nod anyways!):
Your assignment is to work with one of the poems we have explored thus far (fancy that, there are 7 in all!). You will be given a blown up photocopy of the poem and some poster board. My advice, cut up the poem and paste it onto the poster, cite the line numbers, and you have quotes!
Requirements
You should try to talk about/ explore / represent each line or couple of lines if they run together. Your poster must include the following to help aid your classmates with understanding the poem:
images (and/or magazine clippings)
definitions of key words/ poetic devices that you are responsible for on the exam (if the author uses them. These should include a definition of the type of poetry and anything unique to that form ex: what is a sonnet, how do you identify it, what makes this one unique {is it Petrarchan or Shakespearean, etc.)
your interpretations of the meaning of the poem, (you can use a combination of images and text for this, but images should be self explanatory) and an explanation of how this poem reflects the age it is in
Purpose
1. To keep you involved in a dialogue with the works we have read thus far.
2. To get you into the guts of the poems we are reading and give you some time to look around.
A more formal definition is from the BC government’s requirement for this course that you, “ demonstrate an understanding of [...] literary works and an awareness of how they reflect the attitudes, values, and issues of the Renaissance, [...] 17th century and the Middle Ages [(for ‘Barbara Allan)]” (BC Lit.12 IRP, 22, 24).
Due Date
You poster will be due Monday, Feb. 13th at the beginning of class. Students will peruse your work as if we were in an art gallery. You will act as the docent for your work, and explain any necessary details. Your critics will submit a peer mark. This, combined with my own mark, will constitute your mark. This is a study aid for you and your classmates, so don’t let them and yourself down!