Wwi Literary Assignemnt

World War I – Literary Assignment RI 2 To what extent should national interest be pursued? Learning outcomes achieved: 2.2 appreciate that the pursuit of national interest has positive and negative consequences. 2.3 appreciate multiple perspectives related to the pursuit of national interest 2.7 analyze nationalism and ultra-nationalism during times of conflict (cause of the First and Second World Wars, examples of nationalism and ultra-nationalism from the First and Second World Wars, ultra-nationalism in Japan, internets in Canada, conscription crisis) World War I was unique in that it was a very literary war. No war before 1914 had been so written about by the participants, mainly because never before had such a large percentage been able to read and write. Much of what we know about the war has come from the diary entries, poetry, letters and postcards of those involved. Use the information you have learned in the class, from your texts from the videos or additional research, to write a letter and 2 postcards from a Canadian soldier on the Western front. Three of the four major battles we have studied must be addressed (Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge or Passendaele). Part I: Write a letter that is approximately one page in length (typed) and should include all of the following: • • • • •

A specific date and reference to where he is fighting Specific references to one of the battles (i.e., poison gas, tanks, Vimy Ridge preparations/victory, mud) Describe the conditions and life in the trenches Your reasons for volunteering (was it worth it) A sense of being Canadian

Part II: Write TWO postcards The postcard industry reached its peak during World War I, as millions of civilians and soldiers sent messages back and forth conveying their hopes and fears. These postcards are now important as historical and cultural artifacts which can provide a window to the past. There are many different examples of WWI postcards on the internet (i.e., propaganda-negative and patriotic, romantic, scenes from the front). Choose two different types, and consider who you would send them to. Save to a picture file, print the front of your postcard and glue it onto a back of a cardstock piece of paper (provided for you). Now you are ready to write. Be sure to pick different battles from the one addressed in your letter. Each postcard must include the following: • • •

Specific date and reference to where he is fighting Specific reference to one of the battles Description of life at the front.

Student name: ___________________________ Category Content /8

4 Student demonstrates an excellent understanding of life on the Western Front. Very detailed references to specific battles have been included. Students demonstrate an excellent understanding of Canadian national interest and nationalism.

3 Good understanding of life on the Western Front. Detailed accurate references to specific battles have been included.

2 Satisfactory understanding of life on the Western Front. Some references to specific battles have been included

1 Inadequate understanding of life on the Western Front. Few reference to specific battles.

Students demonstrate a good understanding of Canadian national interest and nationalism.

Students demonstrate a superficial understanding of Canadian national interest and nationalism.

Excellent writing style. Vivid, emotional descriptions of life in the trenches. Writing is creative Format/Presentation Letter and postcards very neatly presented using the correct format. Free from spelling errors. Images on post card connect well to the content.

Good writing style and detailed descriptions of life in the trenches and on the Western front.

Satisfactory writing style. Adequate description of life on the western front.

Students does not connect their letter/postcard to an understanding of Canadian national interest and nationalism. Poor writing style. Lacking in detail and description

Letter and postcards neatly presented using the correct format. Only a few spelling errors. Images on postcards connect to content.

Correct format has not been used. Spelling error may distract. Images on postcards do not relate to content.

2.2 appreciate that the pursuit of national interest has positive and negative consequences. 2.7 analyze nationalism and ultra-nationalism during times of conflict.

National Interest Connection 2.3 appreciate multiple perspectives related to the pursuit of national interest

Writing Style

2.2 appreciate that the pursuit of national interest has positive and negative

Incorrect format. Postcard and/or letter has not been neatly presented. Spelling errors distract. Images do not relate to content.