Into the Wild
Welcome to Into the Wild! We will be exploring themes of personal choice and consequence, idealism v. reality and perspective.
You will be provided with a copy of the novel from the book room, however, please feel free to bring your own copy if you prefer to write in the text.
Chapter Logs:
As you read, you will keep a reading journal for each chapter. You will turn this in in two installments, I suggest you make this an ongoing assignment so as to avoid any long nights before the due dates.
Chapter Log #1: Chapter 1-8
Chapter Log #2: Chapters 9-18
For each chapter:
Theme: Decide what the theme (main message) is for each chapter
Passage/Quote: Choose a quote (1-2 sentences) that you feel encapsulates the theme.
Commentary: Explain how your quote illustrates the theme for said chapter.
Outside Magazine Article
Into the Wild began as a feature story for Outside Magazine, written by John Krakauer. We will read the article in class, take cornell style notes on the reading and discuss. You will find many passages from the novel are taken verbatim from the original material. See downloads below for the article.
Walking by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau was a major influence on Chris McCandless. Read 'Walking' by Thoreau, depending on time and circumstance we might discuss the ensuing questions in class, or they might be homework. See downloads below for the documents.
Commune Living
Chris McCandless' ideals were similar to that of the commune movement, which saw a big rise in popularity in the 1960's and 70's. Read the articles concerning different experiences in communes, and find another of your own that offers a different perspective. We will conduct an in-class writing exercise/group work exercise based on the reading. See downloads below for the files.
Differing Perspectives
There are a variety of different points of view to the Chris McCandeless story. Into the Wild provides but one. We will read several different viewpoints from Chris' sister Carine, and other experts in various fields. While we will never be able to truly know Chris' thoughts and intentions, we can create as full a picture of his life as possible
outsidemagazinechrismccandeless.doc | |
File Size: | 107 kb |
File Type: | doc |
walkingbythoreau.pdf | |
File Size: | 54 kb |
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walkingquestions.docx | |
File Size: | 85 kb |
File Type: | docx |
communearticle1.docx | |
File Size: | 153 kb |
File Type: | docx |
communearticle2.docx | |
File Size: | 165 kb |
File Type: | docx |
carinemccandlessinterview.docx | |
File Size: | 166 kb |
File Type: | docx |
thewildtruthnpr.docx | |
File Size: | 172 kb |
File Type: | docx |
the_chris_mccandless_obsession_problem.docx | |
File Size: | 830 kb |
File Type: | docx |
obsession_problem_writing_prompt.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
solitude_by_henry_david_thoreau.docx | |
File Size: | 60 kb |
File Type: | docx |
solitude_questions.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Writing
Lives of Quiet Despair
Henry David Thoreau's words and philosophy was a major influence on Chris McCandless. You will write a one page response to the quote the incorporates Into the Wild, anticipating how Chris would have interpreted this quote. See the downloads below.
Synthesis Essay
See the essay description below. You will synthesize different points of view and related writings into a beautifully crafted, polished essay.
Personal Philosophy Manifesto
Using several different sources, you will find or create three maxims, or statements of personal truth. These will be used in the final culminating project for the unit. The related TED talk is located below.
Journal Entries:
You must be in class for these, every so often, I will have a prompt on the board which is to be responded to in your journals. Journals will be checks periodically and if you stay on top of them, are an easy source of points.
Lives of Quiet Despair
Henry David Thoreau's words and philosophy was a major influence on Chris McCandless. You will write a one page response to the quote the incorporates Into the Wild, anticipating how Chris would have interpreted this quote. See the downloads below.
Synthesis Essay
See the essay description below. You will synthesize different points of view and related writings into a beautifully crafted, polished essay.
Personal Philosophy Manifesto
Using several different sources, you will find or create three maxims, or statements of personal truth. These will be used in the final culminating project for the unit. The related TED talk is located below.
Journal Entries:
You must be in class for these, every so often, I will have a prompt on the board which is to be responded to in your journals. Journals will be checks periodically and if you stay on top of them, are an easy source of points.
livesofquietdesperation.docx | |
File Size: | 78 kb |
File Type: | docx |
synthesisessay.docx | |
File Size: | 73 kb |
File Type: | docx |
personalphilosophymanifesto.docx | |
File Size: | 74 kb |
File Type: | docx |
TED Talks and Other Videos
The following TED Talks will be viewed in class, various discussions and in-class writings will follow the viewings. If you find a TED Talk that you feel is connected to Into the Wild, let me know! I'll add it to the list!
The following TED Talks will be viewed in class, various discussions and in-class writings will follow the viewings. If you find a TED Talk that you feel is connected to Into the Wild, let me know! I'll add it to the list!
What is the Edited Set of Possessions Project?
You will create an initial inventory of all your stuff. All your possessions, everything you would personally be responsible for moving if you were to pack up everything you own and take off today. After you have done this, a considerable task, you will begin to edit your list down. Eliminate the junk, eliminate more junk. Eventually, you will create a list of no more than 15 items (can be fewer) that you determine are the most important. You will write a short (3-5 sentences) justification for each item telling me why you are keeping this important stuff.
You will create an initial inventory of all your stuff. All your possessions, everything you would personally be responsible for moving if you were to pack up everything you own and take off today. After you have done this, a considerable task, you will begin to edit your list down. Eliminate the junk, eliminate more junk. Eventually, you will create a list of no more than 15 items (can be fewer) that you determine are the most important. You will write a short (3-5 sentences) justification for each item telling me why you are keeping this important stuff.
Check out the Carl Sagan Project for some fascinating (and short) videos relating the universe and perspective. In class we viewed 'The Pale Blue Dot' and compared the content to Thoreau's quote on solitude. if you were absent on this day, please choose a quote, write a few lines interpreting the content, and then view the short video. Write 2-3 lines regarding how the content of 'The Pale Blue Dot' connects and relates to Thoreau. Easy points.
http://saganseries.com/
http://saganseries.com/
Sorry! No embed code for this video, click on the button to view the TED talk
This TED is also a great discussion of the importance of different kinds of minds, different ways of thinking
Culminating Project
This will be thoroughly discussed in class and will be due as your final project for the book. Due dates TBD.
This will be thoroughly discussed in class and will be due as your final project for the book. Due dates TBD.
intothewildculminatingproject.docx | |
File Size: | 105 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Quizzes and Tests
All quizzes/tests must be taken in class. If you are absent, you have three days from the time you return to class to complete the quiz/test. You will also need an excused absence note.
All quizzes/tests must be taken in class. If you are absent, you have three days from the time you return to class to complete the quiz/test. You will also need an excused absence note.