V4 - Period 3: Literature lesson 1

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• Middelbare school
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• Leerjaar 4

V4 - Period 3: Literature 

New period planner + PTA

Introduction to 20th & 21st Century Literature

Period 3:

20th & 21st century literature + book reading & writing a review + listening practice

What you need: Literature reader, book you've chosen, laptop/Ipad, pen & paper, earbuds. (you can leave the OW book at home)

Testweek 3: literature (80 mins test)

Let's start with a discussion

on why we tell stories.

Why do we tell each
other stories?

There are many ways for humans to pass along stories. We have done it since our days in caves and around campfires. Some of the oldest ways are images painted on cave walls. What other ways do we know in which we can tell stories?

In which ways can we
tell stories?

Short video

One way of passing on stories, for example, is through the stars and constellations. The following video tells us some more about this. While you watch take some notes. 

Questions

1. Why does the video open with the example of the Pleiades star cluster?
2. How do myths often incorporate real-life events or phenomena?
   
3.  Why is it challenging to find the "original" version of ancient stories?
   
4.  What are some examples of situations where stories or knowledge have been lost?
   
5.  What is the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh in literary history?
6.  How can storytelling be viewed as a form of immortality?

Answers

1. The Pleiades star cluster is referred to as "The Seven Sisters", even though only six stars are visible. Every culture has a version where 1 sister is absent. At some point in history, there were 7 starts visible instead of 6. This means that the story is about 100.000 years old.
2. Myths often include events or phenomena, such as the connection between Australian Aboriginal mythology and extinct megafauna, that may no longer be a part of your current natural world.
3. The nature of stories is to change with every telling, making it difficult to find the "original" version of ancient tales. Especially since most stories were passed on orally.
4. Examples of lost stories or knowledge include eroded cave paintings, lost historical details in legends, and the disappearance of whole civilizations.
5. The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest known work of literature, dating back to at least the 18th century BCE. 
6. Storytelling can be viewed as a form of immortality by preserving the lives and stories of people throughout history

“Stories are our primary tools of learning and teaching, the repositories of our lore and legends. They bring order into our confusing world. Think about how many times a day you use stories to pass along data, insights, memories or common-sense advice.” - Edward Miller

I like reading

😒🙁😐🙂😃

What do you like or dislike about reading?

I like watching films & series

😒🙁😐🙂😃

What makes watching a film or series better/more fun than reading a book?

I like to other forms of storytelling besides books and film, like theatre or art

😒🙁😐🙂😃

"That is why studying literature is important. We ought to not just take in the stories, but learn how they are created and more importantly, why they are told. The why is important."

Which 4 ways literature benefits us were mentioned?

Which one do you think is the most important one? Why?

Is it just literature (aka books) that you can get these benefits from? Why/why not?

Why do you think we
study literature?

Why study literature?

Storytelling is part of:

- our histories

- our societies

- our religions

- our development as individuals

No matter the form it takes, stories influence daily aspects of our lives, whether this be on a page, a screen, a canvas, a stage, or in song.

Today's assignment:

1. Read the introduction to the Reader 20th Century Literature (see Magister - Studyplanner - Literature)
2. Read chapter 1 "Introduction to Britain, the USA, and early 20th century history" + watch some of the videos linked there to improve your background knowledge on British and American history at the start of and into the 20th century.
3. In preparation for next lesson, read chapter 2 "War and it’s writers: The War Poets" + take notes on what you think is important information. Watch the videos on the next slides to help with your understanding of this particular part of British literature + take notes.