Mr Josh Cauhorn / English 11 Honors 1

Unit: Modernism
Lesson: Unit Introduction
Length: ~40 mins

IDOE Standards Covered

Standard 3: READING: Comprehension and Analysis of Literary Text
Students read and respond to grade-level appropriate historically or culturally significant
works of literature that reflect and enhance their study of history and social science.

11.3.5 Analyze or evaluate works of literary or cultural significance in history (American,

English, or world) that:
• reflect a variety of genres in each of the respective historical periods.
• were written by important authors in the respective major historical periods.
• reveal contrasts in major themes, styles, and trends.
• reflect or shed light on the seminal philosophical, religious, social, political, or
ethical ideas of their time.
11.3.7 Analyze the clarity and consistency of political assumptions (statements that take
for granted something is true), beliefs, or intentions in a selection of literary works or
essays on a topic.
11.3.8 Analyze the philosophical arguments presented in literary works to determine
whether the authors' positions have contributed to the quality of each work and the
credibility of the characters.

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Define, in one concise paragraph, the modernism movement of the early
twentieth century.
1.1 Describe the background events that led to the movement.

Procedure

Preparation
-Prepare Modernism PowerPoint
-Prepare YouTube WWI movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsiHALh30qs
-Hand out Modernism Introduction Notes Sheet

0-3 mins // Introduction

Today, we’ll be starting a new unit on Modernism, which is the literary movement that
directly follows Realism. First, we’ll look a bit at the historical background, and then as a
class, we’ll define the period together.

3-15 mins // Historical Background presentation

The late 19th century was a serious time of change in the US, and in the world. As I
present what was going on in the world during this literary movement, please write down
on your notes sheet 5 things that stand out to you that you believe really summarize the
time period. We’ll talk about them in a second.

Present Modernism PowerPoint. Hit major points indicated on screen and in

PowerPoint notes.

All of the background we just covered lead up to World War I, known at the time—there
was no World War II yet—simply as “The Great War,” or “The War to End All Wars.”
We’re going to watch a short set of movies on the war, and I would like you to continue
to write down things that stand out to you.

Show portions of WWI videos on YouTube, PT2, then PT1.

15-30 mins // Define Modernism using the Concept Development Method

LIST ITEMS ON BOARD

Alright, you have written down things that stand out to you. Shout them out and I’ll write
them on the board.

Get a list of about 15-20 different items from the class.

GROUP ITEMS BECAUSE THEY ARE ALIKE IN SOME WAY OR CORRESPOND

SOMEHOW

LABEL GROUPS AND DEFINE THE REASONS FOR GROUPING

SYNTHESIZE INFORMATION AND FORM A GENERALIZATION ABOUT THE TIME

PERIOD

Come to this definition:

Modernism: “art or writing that reflects a loss of hope after WWI and believes individuals
are threatened and isolated by society and mass culture.”

30-40 mins // Closure and Journal Writing

Reiterate Modernism definition and present journal writing topic:

“In the 1920’s advertising and mass media swept the nation, homogenizing (making the
same) the culture for the entire country. Do you believe this was a good thing, or was it
better when each area of the country was very distinct in its different cultures?”

Materials Needed

-Modernism Notes Sheet

-Modernism PP
-WWI YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsiHALh30qs (PT2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw-d-HsSsVM

Formative Assessment
 Mr Josh Cauhorn / English 11 Honors 3

The Graphic Organizers will provide proof that the kids were paying attention. I will walk
around and ensure that they are filling them out. In addition, discussion will give me
immediate feedback on their progress.

Learning Styles

• visual/spatial (Graphic Organizer)

• verbal/linguistic (discussion)
• interpersonal (discussion)
• intrapersonal (journal)

Accommodations

None, as these are advanced students.

Resources

YouTube WWI videos: American Legacy

Textbook