Documented history, particularly in those cultures where written literacy is minimal, is generally the product of those in power. On the other hand, legends originate as part of the folk culture, used to communicate common ideas, beliefs or events around which a community’s identify is formed. The function of legends may be

Rational
 Founded in history, legends give meaning or interpretation to events that may be otherwise unbearable or inexplicable.
Ideological
 Legends are reflexive of a culture’s belief system.
Practical
 Perpetuated through oral tradition, legends are accessible to the masses and therefore important in creating community through practical education.

You will be participating in a cultural study though the investigation of legends. Your work will result in the publication of an article to be included in a website aimed at teaching others about the important connection between stories and the cultures from which they emerge. Complete the following tasks:

Introduce
Introduce your legend by setting the scene.

IDEAS  
Story Map Create a story map that illustrates the legend chronologically. (A) Include important imagery, actions, and lessons. (C)
Outline Outline the story chronologically.(A) Sub points would include imagery, actions, and lessons. (C)

Hypothesize
Write a hypothesis that identifies any aspects of the legend that may reflect the culture from which it originates. (For example, consider recurring imagery, language usage, character relationships, comparisons made, etc.). This is where you ask yourself a questions. Click here to see some questions you might ask. (D)

IDEA: As you ask yourself questions, list topics or events you need to research.

Research/Analysis
Investigate your theory by researching ways in which the legend both reflected the culture of origin and shaped descendent culture (links to other stories, archeological/historical evidence, socio-cultural resonance). Present your research and analysis through simple webpage reflecting your work (template). Include links to resources and external enrichment.

Connect
Review and reflect on your own work in light of other classroom presentations. Cooperatively determine and document interlinking points between these presentations. Identify words and definitions to be added to the site glossary (write a translation and definition for Spanish vocabulary).

Skills you can expect to practice:

Language Skills
  • Prior vocabulary and grammar
  • Cultural awareness/empathy
Information Skills
  • Keyword identification
  • Search engine techniques
  • Information summary, synthesis, and analysis
  • Bibliographic citation


Skills you can expect to learn:

Language Skills
  • Vocabulary related to specific legends
  • Importance of legends in understanding cultural phemenon
Information Skills
  • Story mapping and collaboration (Web 2.0 tools)
  • Hypertextal presentation (template)
  • Bibliographic annotation (how-to)
  • Web document publication

Assessment: To be posted...

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Legends: Home | Student Project Index | Glossary

L Cowell , 2008
Instructor: C. Palmer; Spanish 5 Students, HUHS