Think about
aspects of society you consider a major problem. What about society makes you angry? What is an aspect of society you would like
to see change?
First, choose a
problem. Remember that regardless of the topic chosen,
you should keep content appropriate for a public high school class. Also, consider your purpose and audience. Here
are some ideas for topics: War, education, social class divisions, taxes,
economy, money, internet, global warming, gas prices, healthcare, popular
culture etc…
Part I: Investigation
of the Problem
For
this portion of the project, you will research the topic you have chosen.
- Who is involved?
- Where is this problem prevalent?
- What are basic statistics/data on this problem?
- Is there anything in place
to solve it? Is it effective?
Part II: Creative
Satirical Response to the Problem
Social
problems are often the source of satire.
Now it is your turn to create a satirical response to a problem in
society. There are many forms of satire;
therefore, your response may take many forms.
Pay attention to the guidelines for each option as they vary slightly
according to the form your satire will take.
When responding, ensure that you follow the guidelines listed for your
chosen option, but be creative and thorough.
Recall the definition of satire (a work that uses wit and humor to
ridicule vice, follies, stupidities, and abuses) as you create your masterpiece. As always, see me if you have ANY questions
about your project and/or the appropriateness of your response.
Possible
Formats for Part II
- Artistic Interpretation:
Many
political cartoons are satiric in their representation of society. Even more televisions shows respond
satirically to societal issues. Think about these political cartoons and shows:
(The Simpson’s, The Daily Show, The
Colbert Report) when creating your own satire. Keep in mind that many television shows have
content inappropriate for school; your project must include only
school-appropriate content. Final
product requirements are as follows:
- Cartoons must be at least a full sheet of computer paper, your own original art, and show evidence of thought and planning. You may not cut and paste images already created. They must be created BY YOU!
- Skits must be at least 5
minutes in length, appropriate for school, and either ready to be
performed in class without cue cards or easily viewed on a computer. All scripts must include dialogue and
descriptions of stage directions or other visual and aural elements.
- Musical Interpretation:
Musicians
often use satire in their songs. For
example, The Blue’s Traveler’s song “Hook” and Bruce Springsteen’s song “Born
in the U.S.A.” Weird Al Yankovic often
uses satire in the form of parody in his songs.
You, too, may create satire with songs.
If you are creating a song, keep in mind that your song:
- must be 2 minutes long
- may be recorded or presented live, but it MUST be ready to present to the class on the due date
- must have typed lyrics
- Written Interpretation:
The
majority of the satire we have looked at in class has been written. In “A Modest Proposal,” Swift takes on
British society and culture. Other
examples are: The Jon Stewart Presents
America mock textbook which satirizes the way in which American’s view and
study history. Dr. Seuss’s Butter Battle Book satirizes the Cold
War. You can use these as examples when
creating your own written satire.
- A news article such as those presented by The Onion online publication
- A “modest proposal” outlining a solution to your problem
- A children’s book
**All
written responses must be 2-3 pages typed.
If you have an
idea for satire that has not been listed, see me.
Projects are due Friday, March 31.
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