Intasc I Artifact: The Sweet Hereafter: Novel

INTASC I

ARTIFACT: THE SWEET HEREAFTER: Novel compared to the Movie

INTASC STANDARD: Knowledge of subject matter -- The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structure of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

This artifact demonstrates mastery of INTASC Standard I because it shows mastery of the novel form. The artifact compares two novels with the movies based on those stories. It shows that the teacher understands the use of characterization, plot devices, and symbolism. It also demonstrates that this teacher can use comparison and contrast between a novel in its printed form and in a movie representation of it to demonstrate the characteristics of the novel form.

The artifact accomplishes this by showing what was left out of the movie and its importance in the printed version, such as the use of multiple narrators to show multiple viewpoints regarding the same events. Throughout the artifact, the teacher demonstrates that some things can only be fully communicated by using the written word, and thus demonstrates the ability to communicate to students the need to read literature. The artifact goes beyond the surface characteristics of the novels and movies explored and demonstrates recognition of character development as well as how events can change characters over time. It delineates what the movie had to leave out in some cases and why, highlighting what was lost when the novel was produced as a movie. In addition, the artifact distinguishes between changes made in the movie that diminish the story and changes made in the movie that clarify and illuminate the story. This knowledge would teach students to be more discerning consumers of movies and help them develop a deeper sense of appreciation for the novel form.

ARTIFACT: SHOULD CLASSICAL WORKS BE THE EMPHASIS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL LITERATURE CURRICULUM?

INTASC STANDARD: Knowledge of subject matter -- The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structure of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

This artifact demonstrates the teacher's understanding of important curricular issues for teaching literature at the secondary level. It maps out arguments recognized in the field of secondary education regarding whether classic literature should be included as part of the secondary school literature curriculum. The artifact demonstrates that the teacher is familiar with this issue on a deep level, mentioning arguments against using historical literature such as the opinion expressed by some that Shakespeare might be taught in ways to promote certain political agendas. While a teacher might not agree with this view, a teacher needs to be aware of the opinion and be prepared to counter it intelligently. The artifact also delineates compelling reasons for teaching the classics, in that they reveal a connection to our historical past, and explains what is important for students to learn from studying historic literature.