Beowulf

WebQuest
English IV Survey of British Literature
Introduction
Assignment
Task
Evaluation
Conclusion

Introduction:
 

Beowulf is set in the Dark Ages.  How much do we really know about the Dark Ages and the people who lived during that time?  In order to understand the world of Beowulf, you should learn about the culture and the life of the period. 

Assignment:

• Choose an aspect of Anglo-Saxon life from the list below. 
• With your group, research it.  Compile information and transform it into a poster or PowerPoint. 
• Your poster/PowerPoint should include some major ideas about your topic.
• Finally, you will present your topic to the class and elaborate on the most important ideas.  This is supposed to be a memorable presentation.  You may use any props or additional items to make it special.   For example, if you are working with music- perhaps play some of the music. 
• Essentially, you will become the expert on your topic.  This research will help us understand the Anglo-Saxon world
  surrounding Beowulf.
   

Task

With your group or partner, do the following:
1.  Select a topic concerning the Anglo-Saxons
2.  Read How do We Know from the links, then read from the link for your topic
3.  With your partner, read all of the information.  Decide what major points to share with the class. 
4.  Look for informative pictures to use in your presentation
5.  Make sure that you:

• Include a title
• Include images and credit your source
• Include captions and/or text
• Be ready to elaborate on your topic

6.  Prepare for the presentation.  Remember that you are the expert on your topic.

• How do we Know
• Food
• Ships and Pirates
• Feasts and Fasting
• Games
• Weapons and Warfare
• Military Orginization
• Houses and Furniture
• Anglo Saxon Social Organization
• Pastimes (sports, music, dancing, etc.)
• Religion 1 - Pagan to Christian)
• Religion 2 - Role of the Church Cont'd
• Religion 3 - To be Christian or not to be Christian...that is the question
• Beowulf the poem
• Old English Language

 

Evaluation

POSTER = 50 points	PRESENTATION = 25 points
10 pts    title (purpose) 10 pts    images and source 10 pts    text/captions 10 pts    layout  10 pts    originality and creativity	5 pts     eye contact and body language 5 pts     professionalism and attitude 5 pts     talk to us, don't read to us 10 pts   elaboration of main points

 

 

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Conclusion

Wow!  What a journey.  What advancement since the Anglo-Saxon era do you think they would have most appreciated?  This WebQuest showed you how the early English and Gaelic people lived.  From them Anglo-Americans have adapted language and customs.  The reason we go back in time to read early literature is to understand our predecessors -- and therefore ourselves.  British literature will teach us the origin of our language, for some our ancestory, and for all our superstitions.

When your classmates give their presentations, be sure to listen for answers to these three questions:
        1.  What about the Anglo-Saxon era illustrates their philosphy of life, "wyrd"
        2.  What have you learned about the era that shows the importance of
             folk literature?
        3.  List evidence of pagan AND Christian influences in Anglo-Saxons' daily life.