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      • MSS ELL June 2019

Classic Stories, Modern Twist

In keeping with the spirit of our times, this unit transforms classic French stories into modern masterpieces. Here’s a hint: just add zombies!

Step 1: Form a Group or Fly Solo

The choice is yours! Just keep in mind that if you join a group you will be marked as a group and not individually (unless you re-interview).

Step 2: Choose a Classic French Story

  • The story must be of French origin, but can be translated or reimagined in English. Consider this list!
  • Source your story – a translation of the original French or something close – like this. Or this.

Step 3: The Groundwork

Complete the following activities:

  • (French Composition) Write a 100-200 word synopsis of the original French story. Or retell the original French story.
  • (Alternatively, but not preferable) Write a 100-200 word synopsis of your story with its modern twist.
  • (Research)
    • Does this fairy-tale exist in a modern form or format? (are there modern films, stories, etc?)
    • Is the French version of this fairy-tale different than the modern version?
    • Are there different versions of this fairy tale? (give examples)
    • Are there any interesting facts that you can uncover about the fairy tale or its author?

Clarification: Please complete in full sentences with examples!

  • (Analysis)
    • What is the moral of this fairy tale?
    • Is the moral the only point (ie. is there an effort to reinforce gender stereotypes?)?
    • Does the fairy tale make sense (is there a logical flow, or does it rely on mechanisms such as deus ex machina)?
    • Who is the audience for this fairy tale (children, adults, both) and why do you think this?
    • Does the fairy tale hold up in modern times? What other thoughts do you have about this fairy tale?

Clarification: Please complete in full sentences!

  • (Brainstorming) What can be done to give this fairy tale an interesting modern twist? Address:
    • Characters
    • Setting
    • Plot

Clarification: Feel free to complete this as a mind map / word web / bullet-point list / full sentences – try to brainstorm more ideas than just the one you are ultimately going with.

Step 4: Movie Poster / Presentation

You will create a (movie) poster for your new and improved fairy tale and deliver an elevator pitch.

  • (French Composition) Write a 100-200 word script which you will use as an “elevator pitch” trying to sell us on your fairy tale.
  • (Illustration) Create a movie poster showcasing your new and improved fairy-tale. It should include some text (especially a title!) in French.

Your poster should include (all text in French):

  • A title
  • A tag line (copy line, strap line)
  • Credit block
  • Illustration (consider rule of thirds)

Step 5: Reflection

Please choose three questions to answer in paragraph form. To be answered and submitted individually, not as a group.

  • Your modern fairytale was twisted! Why do you prefer engaging with modern versions of classic stories rather than the classics themselves?

 

  • Do you think this project would have been significantly different if you could have used any fairytale and not just traditional French fairytales? Why or why not?

 

  • Your poster included a design element called the “rule of thirds.” Did this improve the quality of your poster? How has this changed your approach to future assignments?

 

  • You rocked your elevator pitch. Why can it be important to keep your presentations concise?

 

  • You laid the groundwork for a successful project with the four mini-projects. Why was it important for you to research and analyze your fairytale before giving it its modern twist?

If you worked in a group, please answer the following question as well:

  • How would you break down the amount of work each of you put into this project?  Exactly 50/50?  60/40?  1/3, 1/3, 1/3?  Justify your answer as best you can (Who did what?).

Step 6: Self-Evaluation

Self-eval. to be posted at a later date.

Resources

Choose a Story:

  • Old French Fairytales
  • French Folklore

How to design a movie poster

How to give an elevator pitch

Why the emphasis on storytelling?

Big Ideas

"Stories allow us to communicate ideas in a meaningful way."

Content

"Narrate simple stories"

Competency

"Common elements of stories"

Ses sujets le virent avec joie, et il épousa la Belle qui vécut avec lui fort long-tems, et dans un bonheur parfait, parce qu’il était fondé sur la vertu.

La Belle et La Bete

Copyright 2017
~ Created by Matthew Little