BeowulfAn Epic Battle of Good vs. Evil

Origins• Narrative set in the

Dark Ages (500-700 A.D.)

• Earliest written form in 10th century

• Transcribed by Christian monks

• Text damaged by fire in 1700s

• Note the charred edges

Anglo-Saxon Beliefs• A significant portion

of the earth was not explored, so Anglo-Saxons had a literal belief in “Others” (the unknown).

• The Book of Genesis tells the tale of a race of giants.

GiantMan

Depictions of The Monster Grendel

Most in the modern age do not believe in literal Grendel-like

monsters

Boo!

What is a modern-day “monster” in your

world?

• What would you change if you could?• Can you think of a solution for your conundrum?• Have you ever thought, “Someone should do

something about that”?• What is within your power to change?• What problem would you like to “slay”?

Consider issues you deal with on a daily basis.

Student Example

Not all students could drive to school because there was not enough room in the parking lot.

Riding the bus made them have to leave home early and arrive at school late, some riding for over an hour.

Procedure1. The students surveyed other students to confirm the

need (how many were eligible, owned a car and wanted to drive to school).

2. They compiled a list of reasons that lack of student parking should be addressed (crowded busses, seats too small for upper classmen, decreased study and sleep time, etc.)

3. Then they researched standard parking space width and measured the current spaces at the school.

They used measurements of the lot to make proposed adjustments that would add many new spaces.

Next Steps3. Calling the city’s road department, they

obtained an estimate regarding the cost of repainting the lines in the lot.

4. The students determined who

they would need to contact to submit the research and then wrote a formal proposal.

5. After submitting the proposal to the school’s principal, the students were asked to address the school board, and the next school year, their idea was funded.

Not exactly a “Monster,”

but having to ride the school bus was an issue students had to “fight” every day.

It was an “assailable” problem.

The “death” of the daily bus ride made life happier for those whose lives were affected.

Your Assignment Step 1: Brainstorm ideas with your peers. What “monster” would you like to take on?

________________________________________

How about alleviating congestion in the hallways?How about reducing amount of homework?How about a later start of the school day?How about changing the grading scale?How about healthier food in the cafeteria?How about the parenting class running a

nursery for babies of students?How about amending the dress code?How about all students earning an “A” in a class receiving

an exam exemption?

Step 2: Develop a Statement of Need________________________________________

1. Define the problem to be addressed

2. Support argument with data (demographics, expert testimony, etc.)

3. Identify the target population

4. State the significance of the project in terms of time, people, etc.

5. Acknowledge similar efforts (if appropriate) and refute opposition

Step 3: Consider what points the target audience will find most important.

________________________________________

Methods of Proof of Need • Current research (scholarly, reputable)• Statistics (databases or student gathered)• Books, articles, newspapers • Oral interviews (or by email if necessary)• Surveys

If you are administering a survey to prove need, use SurveyMonkey.com.

To locate scholarly information, access the DCHS Media Center’s Research Guide

Step 4: State Goal:  General statement of what will be achieved

________________________________________

• List no more than 3 obtainable goals

• State goals in terms of outcomes

• Include at least 1 measurable objective (a specific, quantitative outcome).

• Look at the long-term view as well.

Paint a picture (in words) of what will happen…

if the goals are met. if the goals are NOT met

Step 5: Create A Project Plan (a.k.a. Activities) 

________________________________________• Based on Need Statement and Goals • List steps to be executed to accomplish

objectives and solve the need • (problem) • Plan of work

– Methods / Procedures to be used – Who is responsible for each step – Schedule or timeline – Cost / Value  

Step 6: Create An Evaluation Plan ________________________________________

• Who will evaluate the project’s effectiveness? How? When?

• How will you know if the goals

have been achieved?

• What measurements will you use?

• How can you prove your objective has been met?

• What is your criteria for success?

Project RequirementsComplete the “Monster’s in Society” Planning Guide to

create your group’s outline.

PresentationConsult the writing guides and consider which

format would be most appropriate/effective for your intended audience:

• Would you deliver a speech to the school board, SBDM council, teachers at a facultymeeting, senior class?

• Would you write an editorial for the BRM, Messenger-Inquirer, WPAW?

• Would you write a letter to the superintendant, principal, a city official?

• Would you write a feature article for a newspaper or magazine?

Rationale• Finally, each group must write a brief rationale

explaining who your audience is, why you chose your method of presentation, and

in what context you

would deliver your

presentation.Why a speech instead of a letter?

Why an article instead of an

editorial? Consider the attributes of each form of writing to determine the best way to reach and influence your intended audience.

Go: Be Modern-Day Beowulfs (or would it be Beowolves??)

You

Better watch out, you pesky problems!

References• British Library Publications. (2003).Electronic Beowulf, Version 2.0. [Poem and

related articles, information digitized]. Retrieved from http://www.uky.edu/~kiernan/eBeowulf/guide.htm

• Coleman, L. (2008). Hoax bigfoot: abandoned in shed. Cryptomundo. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from www.cryptomundo.com/

• Delaney Bus Lines, Ltd. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from delaney.on.ca/SchoolBus.html

• Hall, J. (2007). The Cryptid Zoo: Aliens in Cryptozoology. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from www.newanimal.org/aliens.htm

• Hooper, M. (2008). Got ghosts? This Old House online. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1551218-2,00.html

• Mittman, A.S. (2003). From the Sarum Seminar. Headless men and hungry monsters. Stanford University.

• Photobucket. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from i283.photobucket.com/crazy-cat.gif• Scary stories.(2004). BBC Homepage. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41369000/jpg• Swope, P. The vampire’s ghost of guadalajara. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from

theunexplainedmysteries.com• The legend of nessie.Silas Site. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from

silassite.com/the_legend_of_nessie• Undergraduate expo. (2006). Michigan Tech. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from

www.expo.mtu.edu/expo2006/report/