Agenda for the Week of November 8 – November 12, 2010
Monday/Tuesday:
1. We will begin with a reading quiz on the Aristide Tessitore’s essay, “Euripides’ ‘Medea’ and the Problem of Spiritedness.”
2. Students will be broken into the following three groups for an upcoming assignment:
a. Pp. 435-441 (ending before Kreon enters). The following characters appear here: At Two boys (sons of Jason and Medea), Chorus of Corinthian Women, Medea, Nurse, Tutor
b. Pp. 441 (starting with Kreon and attendants entering)-448 (Jason exits). The following characters appear here: Chorus of Corinthian Women, Jason (and attendants), Kreon (and attendants), and Medea
c. Pp. 448 (starting with the entrance of Aigeus)-456 (ends with Jason going out with his attendants followed by the Tutor and the children carrying the poisoned gifts). The following characters are needed: Aiteus, Two boys, Chorus, Jason (and attendants), Medea, Tutor
d. Pp. 456 (beginning with the Chorus on line 952)-end of the play. Characters: Two boys, Chorus, Jason, Kreon & Princess, Medea, Messenger, Tutor, Dragons?
3. After breaking into groups, you will begin brainstorming. The story is to take place in either the 20th or the 21st Century. Your movie will parody both the play and “Sunset Boulevard.” Consider who will play roles, what costumes you will use, and what props will be needed. You must also include at least one “Monty Pythonism.” Also, take into account Tessitore’s perspective about Medea as a warrior.
4. Among the “jobs” assigned to various members of your group will be the following:
a. Costume designer (consider Edith Head’s use of animal prints and black and white patterns, lace, pointed gloves, etc. You may use some of my supplies—in class or on school grounds only. You may use clothing found in your attic. Props.
b. Set designer. This does not necessarily mean that you need anything fancy or expensive; consider using blankets, throw pillows, accessories, and lighting. Location, location, location.
c. Screenplay Writer(s).
d. Director.
e. Cinematographer.
f. Actors.
g. Film editor(s).
I have yet to make a rubric for this assignment. I want to see how things go for the first day and adjust my plans as necessary. I welcome your suggestions about evaluation and process too. This is the first time I have done this assignment. It will probably involve more than one test grade—just for the project. Generally, I like to give credit for process (steps leading up to the finished product) as well as the finished product. I am not sure how to assess this, however.
You will also be writing a comparison/contrast essay on “Medea” and “Sunset Boulevard”—but that will not happen until after the presentation has been completed. I will determine a deadline by the end of this week, taking into account my observations and your input.
Homework: Start gathering your “stuff” for your film.
Wednesday/Thursday:
Bring in costumes, props, etc. Get in groups and continue to work on project. I will see if I can get us into a computer lab either this week or next week.
Homework: Complete the exercises for Vocabulary G—lesson 7.
Friday:
I will check your vocabulary homework. We will go over it and you will receive “clues” about what might be on the next test.
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