Comic makeovers: Examining race, class, ethnicity, and gender in the media

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 8

• Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
  • Objective 1.03: Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
    • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
    • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
    • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.
• Goal 4: The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
  • Objective 4.01: Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, and/or propaganda techniques.
    • evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
    • evaluate the effects of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.
  • Objective 4.02: Analyze and develop (with limited assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:
    • using knowledge of language structure and literary or media techniques.
    • drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information.
    • considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.
  • Objective 4.03: Use the stance of a critic to:
    • consider alternative points of view or reasons.
    • remain fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
    • construct a critical response/review of a work/topic.
• Goal 6: The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.
  • Objective 6.01: Model an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:
    • using a variety of sentence types, punctuating properly, and avoiding fragments and run-ons.
    • using subject-verb agreement and verb tense that are appropriate for the meaning of the sentence.
    • applying the parts of speech to clarify language usage.
    • using pronouns correctly, including clear antecedents and case.
    • using phrases and clauses correctly, including proper punctuation (e.g. prepositional phrases, appositives, dependent and independent clauses.)
    • determining the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words using context clues, a dictionary, a glossary, a thesaurus, and/or structural analysis (roots, prefixes, suffixes) of words.
    • extending vocabulary knowledge by learning and using new words.
    • evaluating the use and power of dialects in standard/nonstandard English usage.
    • applying correct language conventions and usage during formal oral presentations.

Grade 9

• Goal 2: The learner will explain meaning, describe processes, and answer research questions to inform an audience.
  • Objective 2.02: Explain commonly used terms and concepts that:
    • clearly state the subject to be defined.
    • classify the terms and identify distinguishing characteristics.
    • organize ideas and details effectively.
    • use description, comparison, figurative language, and other appropriate strategies purposefully to elaborate ideas.
    • demonstrate a clear sense of audience and purpose.
  • Objective 2.04: Form and refine a question for investigation, using a topic of personal choice, and answer that question by:
    • deciding upon and using appropriate methods such as interviews with experts, observations, finding print and non-print sources, and using interactive technology or media.
    • prioritizing and organizing the information.
    • incorporating effective media and technology to inform or explain.
    • report (in written and/or presentational form) the research in an appropriate form for a specified audience.
• Goal 3: The learner will examine argumentation and develop informed opinions.
  • Objective 3.02: Express an informed opinion that:
    • states clearly a personal view.
    • is logical and coherent.
    • engages the reader's interest or curiosity.
  • Objective 3.03: Support that informed opinion by:
    • providing relevant and convincing reasons.
    • using various types of evidence, such as experience or facts.
    • using appropriate and effective language, reasons, and organizational structure for the audience and purpose.
    • demonstrating awareness of the possible questions, concerns, or counterarguments of the audience.
• Goal 4: The learner will create and use standards to critique communication.
  • Objective 4.01: Evaluate the effectiveness of communication by:
    • examining the use of strategies in a presentation/product.
    • applying a set of predetermined standards.
    • creating an additional set of standards and applying them to the presentation/product.
    • comparing effective strategies used in different presentations/products.
  • Objective 4.02: Read and critique various genres by:
    • using preparation, engagement, and reflection strategies appropriate for the text.
    • identifying and using standards to evaluate aspects of the work or the work as a whole.
    • judging the impact of different stylistic and literary devices on the work.