Eleanor & Park

While I was reading Eleanor & Park, I could not help but think about what my life was like in 1986. I was 13 and in 8th grade. I know, I am much older than you, but I don't think this will be hard to understand if you simply change the soundtrack to something more current. The music in this book was some of what I listened to and made a huge impact on my life. I want you to think about the songs from this book, and think about the mood they created, and think about how they fit the character's personalities. I would also like you to listen to the soundtrack from the 1996 version of Romeo& Juliet. Now think about the songs you are listening to this school year. You are all around the same age as Eleanor & Park, and may or may not have experienced some of the feelings and emotions from the book. Some of you might have songs that remind you of something happy, something sad- music has the power to evoke several emotions and it is your job to find a song from the book soundtrack that speaks to you. 

Listen to the playlist of songs from the book, then listen to the playlist from Romeo & Juliet.  Look at the lyrics and think about what story they are telling. Look for figurative language and poetic devices such as imagery and symbolism. Determine criteria on which to evaluate the song should you choose that avenue. Determine similarities and differences should you choose to compare and contrast soundtracks. 

You will  choose between writing  a 2 page evaluation and analysis of the song you chose, or a 2 page paper comparing and contrasting the two soundtracks.  In lieu of a written submission, you may also choose to present either topic orally to the class. Be creative and have fun! 

Link to Eleanor & Park http://8tracks.com/selvannah/eleanor-park-official-ish-playlist

Link to Romeo& Juliet https://g.co/kgs/53hJg

Caution: The Romeo and Juliet songs may be slightly offensive If you are uncomfortable with any lyrics, please let me know and we can have a discussion about it. The movie is rated PG-13 and should be fine for 16 year olds, however I respect your rights. 

First, I would like you to listen to each song on the soundtrack. I have provided individual links as well as a link to the 8track app playlist if you would rather listen to them all in a row. Take notes on any songs you might want to revisit. When you have finished listening to each song, choose one song to dissect and evaluate.

If you choose to write a song evaluation paper: Write a 2 page evaluation of the song you chose.  Be sure to list the song name and artist, and provide background information.  Include an assessment of the quality and assign a value of the song and lyrics paired with the music. Ask yourself questions such as: were these songs chosen for this book for a particular reason? What about that time period of the book makes the songs more relevant? Are there any politically or socially charged songs, and if so, what do you think that has to do with the setting of the book? 

If you choose to write a comparison between the two soundtracks: Write a 2 page paper comparing and contrasting the two soundtracks. Why do you think the songs were chosen? Is there any similarity between the music, even though there is a 10 year difference? Develop and create an argument based on your findings. 

If you choose to give an oral presentation: You will evaluate the song based on the criteria of your choice.  You will need a formal outline and notecards to go with your presentation. Your speech will contain your criteria for evaluation as well as your analysis of the song. Be sure to include information about the song and artist, such as when the song was written, by whom, etc. 

Your paper is to be double spaced, typed, in 12 pt. Times New Roman Font. Papers are to be  submitted via my school email, (amcalloway1s@semo.edu)  by Friday, April 30, 2016. Late papers lose 10% per day late. This assignment is worth 100 points, and will count as your final. Please see me with any questions. 

A copy of your speech outline needs to be turned in via email to my school email (amcalloway1s@semo.edu) by Thursday, April 29, 2016. Speeches will be delivered to the class on Friday, April 30, 2016.  

Rubric for Eleanor & Park WebquestTraits Outstanding Satisfactory DevelopingIdeas(/20)Evaluation presents full development of thoughts and ideas clearly. Students shows understanding of both the Webquest and assignment. (/10)Evaluation presents thoughts and ideas sufficiently, but shows limited understanding of Webquest and assignment. (/5)Essay does not present ideas clearly or show understanding of quote and assignment. No self reflection or self awareness present.Organization(/20)Evaluation is structured in a smooth and easy to follow manner. Paragraphs follow a logical sequence and conclusion restates introduction. (/10)Evaluation is structured in a fairly smooth manner but is difficult to follow. Paragraphs follow logical but no conclusion is present. (/5)Evaluation does not follow a logical structure, no introduction or conclusion present.Voice(/20)Student shows strong voice and engages the reader. (/5)Student shows moderate voice and appeals to reader. (/2)Student shows weak voice and lacks an appeal. Trait Outstanding Satisfactory Needs ImprovementWord Choice(/15)Student chooses words at or above grade level, and demonstrates clear understanding of usage and syntax. (/5)Student chooses words around grade level and demonstrates moderate understanding of usage and syntax. (/2)Student chooses words below grade level and demonstrates little understanding of usage and syntax. Sentence Fluency(/10)Sentence flow is natural and easy to follow; could easily be read aloud as a class presentation. (/5)Sentence flow is easy to follow but not natural. (/2)Sentence flow is choppy and difficult to follow. Conventions(/15)Evaluation contains no grammatical, mechanical, or punctuation errors. (/5)Evaluation contains fewer than 5 grammatical, mechanical, and punctuation errors.(/0)Evaluation contains 5 or more grammatical, mechanical, and punctuation errors. Speech rubric: Outline worth 30 points- presentation worth 70. 

I hope you enjoyed this project and learned something new. Music can be very personal and influential, and soundtracks are a very important component to movie making. I can't say I recall seeing many soundtracks for books so this was especially interesting to me. 

I found the playlist for E&P on 8tracks radio and R&J through Google. 

My email: amcalloway1s@semo.edu 

Office hours during 6th period- please email me or come to my classroom if you have questions.