Aprende literatura a través de Minecraft

**To participate in this class, students will need to have Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition (Students need to have a Microsoft account to play on Xbox, PS, or Switch). This class is NOT  compatible with Java.**

Often the best adventures are those traveled in the mind from the comfort of our home homes. If you love Minecraft, the adventure can take on a whole new meaning. In this class, we're going to discuss our adventures and build our own adventures while discussing important literary concepts. Analysis serves to enrich the experience of the story rather than muddle it down with boring details. Once students are able to unlock the deeper meanings in stories, they'll embark on meaningful adventures they never thought possible. Each week we will discuss different genres, authors, themes, and more. Stories will need to be read BEFORE class. The links to the story will be included in the welcome message each week.

Concepts covered in this class:
- Theme and literary devices
- Characteristics of different genres
- Background information about various authors
- History behind the stories
- Using textual evidence to answer questions



Week of Nov. 14: Science Fiction 
"The Minority Report" by Phillip K. Dick
Who was the author?
Characteristics of the science fiction genre
Discuss the story (theme, literary devices, etc...)
Building challenge - Re-create the area where there pre-cogs are held.


Week of Nov. 21: Feminist Authors
"The Revolt of Mother" by Mary E. Wilkes Freeman
Who was the author?
Characteristics of feminist literature
Discuss how the setting affects the story
Building challenge - Create the new barn and decorate it 


Week of Nov. 28: Dystopian literature
“The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury
Who was Ray Bradbury?
Characteristics of dystopian literature
Discuss the story and make comparisons to life today
Building challenge - Create your own dystopian world

Week of Dec. 5: Allegory
"A Dark Brown Dog" by Stephen Crane
Who was Stephen Crane?
How does history influence literature?
Discuss the story and the history surrounding the story
Building challenge - Pick an event in history and re-create it

Week of Dec 12: Gothic literature
"Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker
Who was Bram Stoker?
Characteristics of gothic literature
Discuss the story and how it relates to the novel "Dracula"
Building challenge - Build a house that reflects the gothic genre

Week of Dec. 19: Authors who jump genres
"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl
Who was Roald Dahl?
Other books written by Roald Dahl
Discuss the story and literary devices
Building challenge - Re-create the house in the story

Week of Dec. 26: Mystery
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" by Edgar Allan Poe
Who was Edgar Allan Poe?
Characteristics of the mystery genre
Discuss the story
Building challenge - Re-create one scene from the story

**More stories will be added**

British Authors
"The Signal-Man" by Charles Dickens
Who was the author?
How is this story similar/different than his other stories?
Discuss theme/literary devices
Building challenge - Build the train from the story and recreate one scene

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Students will need to have Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition (PC, Xbox, PS4, iPad, etc...they also need to have a Microsoft account). This class is NOT  compatible with Java. They will also need to be able to interact in Zoom and play Minecraft at the same time. 

SKILL LEVEL:
This class requires that students have prior experience playing Minecraft. We will be playing in Creative Mode, so beginner Minecraft players are welcome.