1. Beowulf An Epic Battle of Good vs. Evil

2. 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

3. 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.
Man
Giant

4. Depictions of The Monster Grendel

5. Most in the modern age do not believe in literal Grendel-like monsters
Boo!

6. What is a modern-day “monster” in your world?
Consider issues you deal with on a daily basis.
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”?

7. Student Example
Riding the bus made them have to leave home early and arrive at school late, some riding for over an hour.
Not all students could drive to school because there was not enough room in the parking lot.

8. Procedure
The students surveyed other students to confirm the need (how many were eligible, owned a car and wanted to drive to school).
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.

9. Next Steps
3. 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.

10. 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.

11. Your Assignment Step 1: Brainstorm ideas with your peers
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?

12. 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

13. Methods of Proof of Need
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 if necessary)
Surveys

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

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

16. Step 4: State Goal:  General statement of what will be achieved ________________________________________
Include at least 1 measurable objective (a specific, quantitative outcome).
Look at the long-term view as well.
List no more than 3 obtainable goals
State goals in terms of outcomes

17. Paint a picture (in words) of what will happen…
if the goals are met.
if the goals are NOT met

18. Step 5: Create A Project Plan (a. k. a
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  

19. 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?

20. Project Requirements Complete the “Monster’s in Society” Planning Guide to create your group’s outline.

21. Presentation
Consult 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 faculty
meeting, 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?

22. 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.

23. Go: Be Modern-Day Beowulfs (or would it be Beowolves??)
Better watch out, you pesky
problems!
You

24. References
British Library Publications. (2003).Electronic Beowulf, Version 2.0. [Poem and related articles, information digitized]. Retrieved from
Coleman, L. (2008). Hoax bigfoot: abandoned in shed. Cryptomundo. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from
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
Hooper, M. (2008). Got ghosts? This Old House online. Retrieved January 2, 2009, from
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
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