Surviving Repression: Persepolis

Lesson 1
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ELA

Unit 4

8th Grade

Lesson 1 of 22

Objective


Identify and summarize aspects of Iranian history and culture, evaluating evidence from a video and a written account.

Readings and Materials


  • Video: “Rick Steves' Iran” by Rick Steves' Europe  — 00:00–17:30

  • Article: “Iran Travel Journal” by Rick Steves  — (excerpts from Parts 1–4)

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A Note for Teachers


  • Due to differences in scheduling and sequencing across schools, this lesson is written assuming that students will need to both read and discuss the text in class. However, if this unit is being taught in sequence, Fishtank recommends that students complete the reading for this lesson as homework prior to class so that students have more time to meaningfully engage in analysis and discussion. 
  • Today's lesson discusses a culture that some students in your classroom may identify with, while other students may be learning about it for the first time. Emphasize respectful communication, critical thinking, and context understanding prior to engaging in today's lesson.

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Evaluate which medium, the video or the travel journal, conveyed information about the history and culture of Iran more effectively. Provide at least two examples of new information that you learned about Iran and explain how the features of the medium supported your understanding of what you learned.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • Why are western countries so interested in the politics and government of Iran? Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of presenting this topic through a video. Provide examples from the video to support your answer. ("Rick Steves' Iran")

  • What role does Islam play in Iranian culture and government? Evaluate which medium you think presents the topic more effectively and why. Provide examples from both the video and the travel journal to support your answer. ("Rick Steves' Iran" & "Part 3")

  • What are common perspectives Iranians have about the United States? Explain which medium you think presents the topic more effectively and why. Provide examples from both the video and the travel journal to support your answer. ("Rick Steves' Iran" & "Part 2" & "Part 4")

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

medium

the material, form, or mode of expression used to create a work of art; a specific instance or type of a communication tool or channel, such as a video, newspaper, or podcast

media

the broad category that includes all types of communication tools and channels

multimedia

the use of more than one type of communication tool or channel at the same time, such as animation and music in a movie

evaluate

to judge or determine the significance, worth, quality, or usefulness of something; to assess

Text-based

tumultuous

adj.

full of confusion, change, or uncertainty (06:12)

secular

adj.

not religious; unrelated to religion (11:33)

Homework


Lesson 2 is a writing lesson. There is no assigned reading in preparation for tomorrow.

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.8.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • RI.8.7 — Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

Supporting Standards

L.8.6
RI.8.1
RI.8.4
RI.8.5
RI.8.10
SL.8.1
SL.8.2
SL.8.3
SL.8.6
W.8.2
W.8.2.a
W.8.2.b
W.8.4
W.8.9
W.8.9.b
W.8.10

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