Students will work in small groups (three or four) to create a short film/video (5-7 min). The goal is to illustrate and explain one of Whitman’s major poems (and it should be one that is longer than 10 lines).
Procedures:
- choose groups (one person must have access to a video camera, film does not have to be on DVD)
- decide on a poem
- create a screenplay/outline/storyboard for capturing Whitman’s imagery (the visual imagery of the poem should be acted out)
- decide on whether poem will be read by one person as a voice over, or whether you will cast a “speaker” to be the voice of the poem (this should be an intentional/artistic choice, be able to justify your choice)
- decide on music to match the mood/tone of your poem
- decide on locations for filming
- edit/polish your film—your film should have gone though a final revision
- as a large part of your video you must find a way to add a “panel of scholars” or a “literary expert” or even the poet himself…..so that you can include a discussion of the poetic techniques demonstrated in your chosen poem (this can be done throughout, or only at the beginning and end, it’s up to you!)
You will be graded on the following:
- 10 points: A screenplay/outline/storyboard that captures Whitman’s imagery
- 5 points: The integration of appropriate music for your film
- 30 points: The integration of a literary panel in your film including a discussion of poetic techniques in your chosen poem
- 15 points: Quality, polished film that is 5-7 minutes long
