Exploration of American, British, and World Literature

Introduction

As a 10th grade student, you will explore a variety of genres of writing in each of the following areas of literature: American, British, and World.  You will compile a list of well-known authors and titles.  You will read and summary one work each within two separate genres to summarize.  Finally, you will compare and contrast the three areas.  

Task

American Literature

1.  Visit and read the description of American Literature at  https://www.britannica.com/art/American-literature. Visit also https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-characteristics-american-literature-395821.

Write a summary of the description which includes a list of major authors and topics and themes represented.

2.  Visit and read the description of British Literature at https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature.  Visit also https://mrsbraggclassroom.wikispaces.com/file/view/british_lit_outline.pdf/588715840/british_lit_outline.pdf

Write a summary of the description which includes a list of major authors and topics and themes.

3.  Visit and read the description of World Literature at https://sites.google.com/site/ogles5thhour/issues.   

Visit also https://prezi.com/flacemrzozyk/contemporary-lit-timeline/

Compile a list of 15 authors and the countries/cultures they represent.

Process

From your search of these sources, you will read selections of short stories and poems from each of the three areas of literature.

Select a poem and a short story, one by a male and one by a female or young adult author, for each of the three areas which represents the topics, themes, and description of the respective area. 

Research the biographical information of the authors. 

Write a 1-2 page report on your selections which includes the following: a paragraph description the area of literature, a paragraph for each author's biographical information, and a paragraph synopsis for each genre's selection and how it represents the particular area of literature.

Evaluation

You will be assessed on the following: writing, depth of information, and level of analysis of literature area.

Rubric
Features

Expert

4

Accomplished

3

Capable

2

Beginner

1

Quality of Writing Very informative and well-organized Somewhat informative and well-organized Gives some new information, but poorly organized Gives no new information and poorly organized
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Virtually no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors Few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors A number of spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors An excess of spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors
Analysis of information Provides an in-depth analysis of information Provides a somewhat in-depth analysis of information Provides minimal depth of analysis of information Provides no analysis of information
Inclusion of required elements Contains all required elements Contains most of the required elements Missing a significant portion of required elements Missing most required elements

Conversion Chart:

16= 100

15= 95

14= 90

13= 85

12= 80

11= 75

10= 70

9= 65

8= 60

7= 55

6= 50

5= 45

4= 40

Conclusion

This Webquest should familiarize you with major authors and ideas within each area of literature.  You should be able to describe the three areas and explain how your selected readings from each of them depict their respective areas.