9/10TH Grade Humanities Spring 2008

                 Art for Social Change

            In the 3rd Trimester all students will be working on the Art for Social Change Project. The unit will have 5 phases. In Phase I, we will focus on using forms of art and language to express ourselves. In Phase II, we will look at how people in history have used art as a vehicle for social change and explore current issues that could be changed through action. In Phase III, you will research a current American issue that you feel strongly about and create a research paper to reflect your learning. In Phase IV, you will create an individual and class presentation to be displayed in town on FRIDAY, MAY 19th!!!! You are required to attend this public display. The Final Phase will involve written and oral reflection and action.

Phase I:  March 5-21st

Goals:

A) To understand your individual ability to use photography and words to create a portrait (perhaps self portrait)

B) To understand what makes a good photograph

Possible Activities:

• Photographic portrait of self or others
• Written Portrait of self or other
• sense of place photo with written component
• readings and responses
• Guest Lecturer on photography

Phase II: March 24th-April 2 

Goals: A: to understand how and be able to identify people and

           events from the past that created positive social change

         B. define current issues in America that we want to change

Possible Activities:

• Lectures: investigate events and people from the past  social change movements
• Explore current issues through readings and responses
• Generating Issues: In order to introduce you to possible issues to focus on for your written and art project, we will conduct an issue survey. You will define the most important issues in the US today according to the class. 

Phase III:    Monday, April 3rd to Friday, May 5th    (Keep in mind we go to NYC May 6-8)

Goal: to complete an informative, accurate, interesting and error free research paper

• Research/Investigation:  You will choose a national issue that affects your local community. You are then required to thoroughly research your subject and write a paper that attempts to call for change!
• 5-6 sources - at least 1 book = good, 7-8 = excellent….
• We will provide steps and definite due dates a long the way
• You will complete an 8+ page research paper (which includes a plan for action) in a minimum of 2 drafts. 
• With any remaining time you will begin your presentation for the greater community.

Phase IV:   May 2 to May 21st   (not definite date)

Goal: to create an original, inspiring and informative presentation in a public community space.

Art: Students are required to produce at 3-5 “Master Photographs” on how their subject affects their local community.  The class will define the concept of “Master Photograph” together. These photographs will be accompanied by written “blurbs” explaining the photographs and their connection to your topic. Your research papers will also be included in the exhibit. Students may choose another art form in which they already have demonstrated skill and expertise in order to reflect their topic (examples: painting, theatre, film)

Exhibition/Presentation:  Your exhibition and presentation of art and research will be exhibited at a gallery as yet to be determined in Bellows Falls.  The opening will be sometime the week of May 19 from 5-7pm – attendance is required of all students.  The goal is to educate your audience about the issues and motivate them to take action.  More details to follow on gallery place and date of exhibit.

There will be days reserved for set up in town. This will be a time for you to hang the exhibition.

Final Phase: Action and Reflection    May 22nd to 28th  

Goal: to put to use and utilize the research and learning acquired in the unit

• Each group will decide on an action to take on their issue.  This requirement is very wide open and we will discuss the possibilities in class.
• This may involve letter writing, website design, editorials, community service etc.