Objective: I will review the rubric, ask questions for clarification, identify, and inform, others of the requirements and due dates, and contemplate a brighter, greener tomorrow! THEN: We will begin to create a graphic novel of the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

You will create a graphic novel telling the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. What is a Graphic Novel? A Graphic Novel is a Comic Book only longer. The big difference is that when you write a comic book, it is usually put out in monthly installments. In graphic novel form, the book is complete. Whatever you call it, it’s simply storytelling with the art advancing the story, rather than illustrating the text, as in the classic storybook. Do you have to know how to draw to do a graphic novel? You do not have to know how to draw, but you do need to find your unique style. The art in Diary of a Wimpy Kid, one of the most popular graphic novels out today, is all stick figures. It’s the combination of art style and writing that is unique to graphic novels. Which comes first, art or story? It doesn’t matter. Everybody works differently. Some start with story, others with art, and still others write and draw at the same time. The idea is to just get going.

Lets start by getting some supplies. I have some, not many, so you may incorporate your own too! Now let’s start with a little background The Early History of the region known as Israel-Palestine  The origin of some of the earliest known civilizations is traced back in the Middle East where the land now known as Israel, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq comprised the “Fertile Crescent”.  The land has been controlled by many empires and cultures over time, but traditionally the cultural groups living their were Hebrews and Arabs  The Hebrews inhabited this area in what was known as the Kingdom of Israel, during the reigns of David and Solomon, as depicted in the Hebrew Bible. This is traditionally dated between 1050 and 930 BCE. Where did the name Palestine come from?  A derivative of the name "Palestine" first appears in Greek literature in the 5th Century BCE  Under the Ottoman Empire the term Palestine was a general term to describe the land south of Syria; it was not an official designation. In fact, many Ottomans and Arabs who lived there during this period referred to the area as "Southern Syria" and not as "Palestine."  After World War I, The name "Palestine" was applied to the territory that was placed under British Mandate; this area included present-day Israel and Jordan.