Introduction: Pilgrimages could be long and boring journeys (Go ahead. Say it. “Like this class.” Ha ha. Whatever. This class is the best thing to happen to you since puberty). Stories were often told to pass the time. Chaucer recreates this pastime in his Canterbury Tales. In his storyline, there is a challenge to be met. Whoever tells the best tale will have their trip paid for by everyone else. While Chaucer’s story concludes without a winner being decreed, we won’t take the lame way out and a winner will be named. You are now being given Chaucer’s Challenge. What is Chaucer’s Challenge? Is like the Pepsi Challenge? No. That would be stupid. Let’s break it down:
Step One: Groupies
You will be broken into groups of six (roughly) and be given a tale from Chaucer to teach/present to the class. So let’s meet the groups.
Step Two: The Details
You and your group will read your tale and outline the important events. You will then turn your tale into a script. Some tales have prologues attached to them and you are responsible for incorporating that as well. Make sure you identify all the important aspects of the prologue/tale!
Step Three: Putting It Together
Part One: The Prologue and Introduction
Every story comes with a prologue. You must convert this prologue into a monologue/dialogue (but the focus should be on the character) that is told to the class with the attitude and tone the character would say it. I t will also need to end with a brief summary of what the story (still being told by the character) so the audience knows what’s going on.
Part Two: The Script
For the sake of time and confusion, I will provide you with a simpler version of the story you are responsible for. Essentially, you are converting a comic version into a presentation. However, the comic has no dialogue. To create the script, treat each cell as a scene. Then take the line of narration from it and copy it to your script. Finally, for each line of narration you need to create dialogue and action. Also, make sure part one is included in your script.
Part Three: The Presentation
· The line s of narration should be presented by the person who opened for the show and said in the same style
· Scene needs to be at least 10 minutes
· Props, costumes, energy, creativity, and flow are essential
· These will ultimately be presented in THE PIT!
· Tell the story: No reason for memorization but you shouldn’t stare at your script. audience participation.
· Audience Participation: You must find some way to incorporate the audience in the presentation. They can’t know before hand. You can tell them while you are presenting or you can just surprise them or grab someone and start dancing.
Part Four: Do They Understand
At the end you will do the following to ensure your audience understands:
1. At the end you will ask the following question:
A. Why would our character tell this story?
B. What does it say about him or her?
C. What do you think is the message of the story based on our character?
2. Create a half sheet of information which includes the following
A. Summary of character and story
B. Major themes
C. Visually appealing
Opening
_____ - not included (0 points)
_____ - vaguely represents character and events of prologue and story (5 points)
_____ - generally represents character and events of prologue and story (10 points)
_____ - accurately represents character and events of prologue and story (15 points)
Presentation Components
Creativity and Student Engagement
_____ - lacks creativity and student engagement (0 points)
_____ - demonstrates general creativity and student engagement (15 points)
_____ - demonstrates satisfactory creativity and student engagement (20 points)
_____ - demonstrates outstanding creativity and student engagement (25 points)
Essential Elements/Presenters’ Understanding
_____ - not included/not clear (0 points)
_____ - essential elements/presenters’ understanding somewhat clear (15 points)
_____ - essential elements/presenters’ understanding is satisfactory (20 points)
_____ - essential elements/presenters’ understanding is complete and obvious (25 points)
Energy/Flow
_____ - presentation’s energy and direction are not evident (0 points)
_____ - presentation’s energy and direction are somewhat evident (15 points)
_____ - presentation’s energy and direction are good (20 points)
_____ - presentation’s energy and direction are fricken’ amazing (25 points)
Teamwork
_____ - teamwork and roles not evident (0 points)
_____ - teamwork and individual roles are somewhat evident (15 points)
_____ - teamwork and individual roles are basically evident (20 points)
_____ - team work cohesively and individual roles are clear (25 points)
Exit
Assessment
_____ - not included (0 points)
_____ - does not clearly evaluate learning based on objective (15 points)
_____ - satisfactorily evaluates learning based on objective (20 points)
_____ - clearly evaluates learning based on objective (25 points)
