Modern vs. Tradition/The Modern World Unit Project

Instructions:

For this unit, our primary focus is on the differences between life in modern America and life in the past. This includes such issues as the role of technology in our lives and how it has transformed our society, the role of nature and its effects on the quality of our lives, as well as the value or pointlessness of various traditions in our culture. In order to explore some of these issues, you will have the opportunity to participate in the completion of three important activities for this unit.

I. The first activity is a series of Nature Journals, which are described on a separate handout.

II. The second activity is entitled Time Travel Pro/Con Point of View.

The basic premise involves two separate scenarios: 1) A modern day person goes back in time to 17th or early 18th century America and experiences the lack of technology at that time. How does he perceive the quality of life of those around him? How does the lack of technology affect him the most? 2) A person from 17th or early 18th century America travels to our modern age and experiences an abundance of technology. How does he perceive the quality of life of those around him? How does this abundance of technology affect him the most?

You may explore this in one of two ways. The first would be to write a paper on the topic. It would have to be a minimum of two pages in length (one page per scenario, and typed as usual), and you would be expected to intelligently discuss each scenario, using specific examples and details that accurately reflect each time period. Your commentary must demonstrate genuine insight and thought, not just be a laundry list of basic differences. It would also have to be written from the perspective of the person described in each scenario.

Alternatively, for those who are a bit of a ham at heart, the second way you could do this option is through creating a video. The scenarios are the same, but rather than writing an analytical paper, you would actually act out your ideas in a creative manner on video, with you becoming the characters. In addition to the video, you would be expected to turn in a script or clear written plan of the ideas you are presenting in your video.

Whichever way you choose to do it, this assessment would need to be done individually. You may certainly have a friend help you with the filming, since it is difficult to hold a camera and act at the same time, and your friends could act as other characters if you wish, but only you will be graded on it.

WARNING: Anyone choosing to do the videotape option needs to be skilled in using such technology. In particular, you would need to make sure that the videotape actually is functioning, that the sound quality is clear, and most important, that you EDIT your film so that there is not a bunch of dead space or extraneous nonsense on it. This means using editing software to cut out unwanted clips, noises, and mistakes. You also need to include titles and other identifying information. Top scores will also have transitions. Transfer the final product to a DVD, flashdrive, or post it on YouTube.

III. The third activity for the unit is a Reflective Essay of approximately 400-500 words (about two pages of average-sized handwriting). Based on everything you have learned and on your own experiences, you are to write an in-class essay exploring the issue of technology in our society. Specifically, you must recognize and discuss the duality of the issue – how it is a double-edged sword. That is, your job is to communicate the idea that technology can be both good and bad. Some questions that you should consider include the following: Regardless of one’s own view, how can technology be good and how can it be bad? Does technology take away from our humanity, or does it add to it? Are our lives better with it? Does technology lead to boredom? In our struggle for modernism, do we lose something with each gain? Do not limit yourself to these questions.

When you write the essay, use these questions to think about the issue. Please do not simply answer them one after the other. Instead, use your ideas to create an original thesis statement, and then organize your thoughts into a smooth and coherent whole.