American Author Brainstorm Day
Overview
Before the end of class today, you will present a 60-second oral report on an American author. Your talking points should include:
- a short author biography
- a few examples of the author's work
- why the author is widely recognized
To support your oral report, prepare one Keynote slide that includes the following elements:
- author's name
- a photo of the author
- titles of at least three works and their publication dates
- the author's time period (can be denoted by birth and death dates)
- one phrase or quote that expresses the author's reputation or importance
Procedure
- Browse online for an eligible author.
- Start with the links listed below.
- Choose an author.
- Don't necessarily go with the first author that springs to mind; use this opportunity to expand your horizons.
- Verify your choice with Mr. Wells,
- Be prepared for the possibility of being "Yoda-ed." (The apprentice must trust, and not question, the master.)
- Write your name and the name of your author on the chalkboard.
- For this excercise, no duplicate authors allowed; one author per person.
- First-come, first-served.
- Do research and prepare speech and Keynote.
- Practice speech until the show begins.
Links for Browsing Authors:
- American
Writers List
Lots of names, no links, but a good spot for brainstorming. - C-Span
American writers: 20th Century
Organized by era; a good spot for finding an author from a time period you like. - Key
Sites on American Literature
Links to other lists: for example, a link to a list of American playwrights. - American
Authors on the Web
Comprehensive list of links to more info on authors. - Puliter
Prizes: 1917-2000
Lots of important American authors of the 20th century have earned this prize. - American
Literature Anthology Writers' Index
A good brainstorm list, with thumbnail photos. - Literature
of the United States: Wikipedia
Good overview article, with embedded links to many authors. - Major
American Authors
A class compilation of papers; a similar project to ours.
Posted by Justin Wells : 01/02/2008