1. Over the next few weeks, we will be reading George Orwell’s 1984, as well as discussing selections from H.G. Well’s War of the Worlds. At the end of this unit, you will be designing your own digital composition, using either PowerPoint or imovie, that critically examines some aspect of science, technology or another worldly issue. This movie will be based on one of the following: Your own authored text of a genre of your choosing A selection of a text or a short text Other ideas approved by me

2. Goals for the assignment: Examine technology in the world around you through personal experience and examination of the texts for this unit Question sources of information and advancing communication mediums. Apply skills of questioning a text: who is telling the story, why are they telling the story, what are they telling – fact/fiction, etc. Represent your analysis of material through media in response to the roles of technology, media or science Be purposeful in your incorporation of certain images, sounds and timing of your digital composition

3. Some Possible topics include… Science and technology Diversity Literacy and technology Particular issues in science Stem cell research, cloning, pollution Media influence on society Censorship, advertisement influence There are many other topics that you can and should consider

4. Some Possible modes or types of writing that you may engage in during this unit … Poem Short story News article News report Song Letter to an editor or a political figure Other options of your choosing

5. You will have the opportunity to design your project by choosing the topic or genre of the text that you will use, as well as the ways in which you use the media. You should use various forms of media. At the end of the project, you will write a reflection about your experience and explain how you see your digital composition connecting to your topic and why you made specific stylistic moves. Here is one scenario or way to think about your assignment…

6. You have been commissioned … to illustrate A key issue in the media (or other technologies), showing various sides of the issue Use media that will highlight this issue (this may include music, narrative, images, movie, abstract art, etc.)

7. Remember to.. Critically question Explore new areas of interest Consider ways to connect your work to some of your interests Have fun! (end of presentation)