Lesson Title: Courtly Love and The Faerie Queen

Subject Areas: English

Grade Level: 9-12                Time Required: 2-3 days

Author: Miss Monica Vernacchio

Lesson Summary:

This activity involves students using the computer as a learning tool. This activity is based on what the students previously learned about Courtly Love and the Renaissance Period. The students will gather information on The Faerie Queen. The information that the students will gather should include: information on the author, Edmund Spencer, a summary of the first three cantos, the character of the Redcrosse knight and one critique about the Redcrosse knight. The students will be using word processor to compose an essay.

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to demonstrate a connection between Courtly Love and the following topics in their essays:

o       The author’s time of life and the influence on his work

o       The character of the Redcrosse Knight

o       The ideals that the story emulates based on the first three cantos.

Standards Addressed:

1.1   Learning to Read Independently

-1.1.11G

1.2 Reading Critically in All Content Area

-1.211A

-1.2.11B

1.3 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

-1.311A

1.4 Types of Writing

-1.411 B

1.5 Quality of Writing

-1.511A

-1.5.11B

1.6 Speaking and Listening

1.611 F

1.8 Research

-1.8.11B

-1.8.11C

Materials:

Ø      Computer

Ø      Internet resources

Ø      Notes on Courtly Love and the Renaissance Period

Ø      Paper

Ø      Pens

Ø      Handout on how to write a bibliography using MLA (provided by teacher)

Ø      Computer –Word Processing resources

Specify Problem:

Today we will be looking at Edmund Spencer’s Faerie Queen and making a connection to the ideas that we previously reviewed about Courtly Love during the Renaissance Period. Using the information previously provided and the information currently acquired, the students will compose an essay. The essay should be 2-4 pages, written in 12 font, Times New Roman, double spaced and is to be written in MLA format. The essay should include a connection between Courtly Love and the author, the first three cantos and the character of the Redcrosse knight. Students should provide at least two paragraphs for each of the topics listed. Along with the essay, students will also write a bibliography in MLA format using the handout provided. Since all the students possess handouts and notes on Courtly Love and The Renaissance, unless students use additional information they find, they do not have to list sources for those two topics.

Computer Functions/ Data Manipulation:

RESULTS PRESENTATION:

After students have finished searching for the information, they will present their findings in an essay that is to be handed in.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Lesson Introduction:

I will begin class by reviewing the notes the students already have on Courtly Love. I will tell them what they are expected to do. I will hand the students a handout with a list of things they should be looking for, a handout on how to compose a bibliography and MLA format, and a list of the criteria for the essay. The students will also be provided with basic information on Faerie Queen to aid them with their research. I will then take time for any questions the students may have about the search or their papers.

Computer Activities

Activity 1

Activities to be completed:

Prior to going to computer:

1. Review notes on Courtly Love

2. Handouts on things to look for

3. Handout on Faerie Queen

4. Rubric and criteria for their essay handout

At the computer:

1. Use search engines to look for information on Edmund Spencer

2. Use search engine to look for information on the first three cantos of Faerie Queen.

3. Use search engine to look for information on the character of the Redcrosse knight.

4. Use search engine to look for a critique on the character of the Redcrosse knight.

After going to the computer:

1. Brainstorm and develop connections between what you know and what you found.

2. Begin to develop a rough draft, ask questions if need to.

Supporting Activities

Activities 1

Activities to be completed:

1. Compose an essay

2. Compose a bibliography

Culminating Activity:

Students will be handing in their essay and bibliography.

ASSESSMENT

To be dDone with rubrics. Each student will be assessed on the content of the essay and their progress in the computer lab.