Literature Discovery - The Short Story

Introduction

Hello, High School Juniors!  Take a moment and think of your favorite short story.  What about this short story stood out to you?  Short Stories are a fundamental part of American Literature.  Many well known authors have penned amazing short stories.  One of these may perhaps be your favorite.  Now take a moment and think of a short story penned by a non-American writer.  American authors are not the only ones to have written intriguing short stories.  In this webquest you will be introduced or reacquanited with some amazing short stories.  After reviewing these great stories you will write a reflection on the impact and importance of teaching short stories in school.

Task

Imagine you are a student who is preparing for a debate.  The topic of the debate is whether short stories should be taught in school or not.  You are arguing to keep short stories. Your task will be to do research on short stories.  This research will include the author, the theme, and the literary importance of the work.  After the research is completed you will write your argument in favor of teaching short stories in school. 

 

Process
  1. Use the links provided to read and analyze the short story

 

Links to American writer’s short stories

 

 

 

Links to British writer’s short stories

 

 

 

Links to multicultural or world writer’s short stories

 

 

 2. Answer the following questions

  1. This is a large range of eclectic writers ranging from classic famous writer to new and upcoming writers.  What short stories did you find of theirs?
  2. What theme or issue was addressed in their short stories?Was the story interesting? 
  3. Did it keep you engaged till the end?How would you use these works in a classroom?

 3.Select one short story from each category (American, British, World) that you will use to help make your argument in favor of teaching short stories

 4. Use the three selected stories as examples as to the value of short stories

 5. Write up a reflection on your research and include your argument on the importance of teaching short stories

 

Evaluation

 

1

2

3

Reflection

 Reflection is weak with visible signs student did not read required text.

 Reflection is good and shows some signs of use of required reading.

 Reflection is strong and is heavily supported with vivid facts and ideas from reading

Argument

 Argument is weak and fails to make a clear statement in favor.  Has 0-1 references to reading

 Argument is substantial yet is not compelling enough.  Only has 1-2 referneces.

 Argument is strong and takes a clear and strong stand.  Has 3 or more references.

Mechanics

 Multiple errors make reading almost impossible

 A large amount of errors that distracts from reading the text

 Few if any errors
Conclusion

This was truly an exciting and unique journey through the famous short story.  Short stories are a powerhouse of great writing and literary devices.  Short stories are a fundamental part of literature in every culture especially in America.  I hope you enjoyed reading these amazing works by these amazing writers.  If you would like to do further research or just read some more great stories I recommend you look at these websites:

 

http://www.online-literature.com

http://www.readbookonline.net

http://americanliterature.com/twenty-great-american-short-stories

 

Credits

 

 Common Core Standards

Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers Title: Common Core State Standards (insert specific content area if you are using only one) Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington D.C. Copyright Date: 2010