EN 4 Middle East Assignment

Are You Listening? Voices from the Middle East

EN 4 Assignment

Assigned: 10/3/11Due: 10/17--21/11

In this unit, we will be reading short works by contemporary writers from the Middle East, listening to their voices and comparing and contrasting them with our own. This assignment incorporates several components: research, comprehension, a specific activity (from an approved list), and a presentation including leading a class discussion.

1. Choose your story. Go the the following URL to see a PDF of the anthology Are You Listening? Voices from the Middle East published by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University.

http://www.outreachworld.org/files/cmes_harvard/harvard_cmes_anthology.pdf

1. Research your author. In addition to personal information, find out about his/her other work, including critical responses. This information will be included in your presentation.
2. In the “Student Activities” section (p. 121--166), find the activities that correspond to your story. Read the questions in the “Questions to think about” section before reading the story.
3. Read the story. Answer all the “Questions to think about” in complete sentences in paragraph form. You will use these in your discussion with the class and turn them in on the day you present.
4. Choose an activity you would like to complete from the “Student activities” section and have it approved by your teacher.
5. Complete the activity and prepare to present or perform your completed activity.
6. Sign up for a presentation day and time.
7. Presentations will be 8 to 12 minutes long and include these parts:

A. A summary of your chosen story, including a reading of a brief passage that illustrates the author’s style

B. A summary of your author’s life and his/her work and contribution to Middle Eastern literature

C. A presentation or performance of research or creation from “Student activities”

D. Discussion of ideas or events from the story using “Questions to think about”

E. A conclusion that ties all the parts together, including a handout for each student and the teacher

GRADING RUBRIC

Summary of story______/10

Passage selection______/10

Author’s life/relevance______/10

Student activity______/20

Discussion/use of questions______/15

Conclusion/Synthesis______/10

Handout______/10

Presentation skills/Time______/15

TOTAL______/100