Mr Josh Cauhorn / English 11 Honors 1

Unit: Realism
Lesson: 7 – Naturalism and Stephen Crane’s “Open Boat”
Length: 45 mins

IDOE Standards Covered

Standard 3: READING: Comprehension and Analysis of Literary Text
Students read and respond to grade-level appropriate historically or culturally significant
works of literature that reflect and enhance their study of history and social science.

11.3.1 Structural Features of Literature: Analyze characteristics of subgenres, types of

writings such as satire, parody, allegory, and pastoral that are used in poetry, prose,
plays, novels, short stories, essays, and other basic genres.
• Satire: using humor to point out weaknesses of people and society.
• Parody: using humor to imitate or mock a person or situation.
• Allegory: using symbolic figures and actions to express general truths about
human experiences.
• Pastoral: showing life in the country in an idealistic - and not necessarily
realistic - way.

11.3.2 Analyze the way in which the theme or meaning of a selection represents a view
or comment on life, using textual evidence to support the claim.

11.3.5 Analyze or evaluate works of literary or cultural significance in history (American,

English, or world) that:
• reflect a variety of genres in each of the respective historical periods.
• were written by important authors in the respective major historical periods.
• reveal contrasts in major themes, styles, and trends.
• reflect or shed light on the seminal philosophical, religious, social, political, or
ethical ideas of their time.

11.3.7 Analyze the clarity and consistency of political assumptions (statements that take
for granted something is true), beliefs, or intentions in a selection of literary works or
essays on a topic.
11.3.8 Analyze the philosophical arguments presented in literary works to determine
whether the authors' positions have contributed to the quality of each work and the
credibility of the characters.

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Come to a personal conclusion on the validity of Naturalism. (11.3.1., 11.3..2.,
11.3.5., 11.3.7., 11.3.8)
1.1 Summarize aspects of Naturalism using textual proof from studied texts.
 1.2 Synthesize this knowledge with personal beliefs.
1.3 Defend or deny the validity of Naturalism using clear, logical
argumentation.

Procedure

Preparation

Prepare Hulu video: http://www.hulu.com/watch/4166/saturday-night-live-raft-captain

Copy Naturalism Notes Sheets

TO DO list for today:

-Hulu video
-intro to Naturalism; definition
-read and write: 20 mins
-socratic seminar

0-7 mins // Anticipatory Set

As students walk in, begin class with the Hulu video. Introduce Crane book; state
objectives for today: we will have an informed discussion on Naturalism.

8-15 mins // Introduce Naturalism

Present PowerPoint, introducing Naturalism. Make sure kids are filling out their graphic
organizer.

15-35 mins // Read part of Law of Life and write in notes sheet

Students will read pgs. 749-752 in their textbook, then fill in their notes sheet. Remind
them to try to integrate parts of the story into their notes sheet, for they will be using it in
discussion.

35-44 // Socratic Seminar of Naturalism

Have students think of key questions and use notes sheets just filled out to discuss the
validity of Naturalism. Ask them to write down points that stand out to them, for this will
be one of two essays on the test. They must integrate historical context and literature
into the essay on the test.

44-46 // Closure

REMIND STUDENTS THAT THEY ARE TO READ THE OPEN BOAT

Close out the lesson, reiterating naturalism and asking students to read for tomorrow if
they haven’t yet.

Materials Needed

-Naturalism PowerPoint
-Hulu video
 Mr Josh Cauhorn / English 11 Honors 3

-Naturalism Notes sheet

Formative Assessment

The Graphic Organizers will provide proof that the kids were paying attention. I will walk
around and ensure that they are filling them out. In addition, discussion will give me
immediate feedback on their progress.

Learning Styles

• visual/spatial (Graphic Organizer)

• verbal/linguistic (discussion)
• interpersonal (discussion)
• reflective notes sheet (intrapersonal)

Accommodations

None, as these are advanced students.

Resources

Textbook