1. Explain that today students will compare some of the medieval ballads with modern ones.
2. Have students listen to “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan, “In the Jailhouse Now” by the Soggy Bottom Boys, “Ballad of Birmingham,” “Ballad of Billy the Kid” by Billy Joel, and “The Coward of the County” by Kenny Rogers. Show the lyrics on the overhead while listening.
3. Ask students how these modern ballads compare to the medieval ballads. Refer back to the Ballad Checklist.
4. Explain that now students have a thorough understanding of ballad form and subject matter, they are ready to write their own ballads.
5. Put the Original Ballad Assignment up on the overhead, and read through it with students to check their understanding.
6. Students should arrange themselves in groups and begin work on their ballads. Ask students to use most of the period to compose and revise. Advise students that they will be sharing their ballads with others on Thursday.
Homework Collected: None
Homework Given:
Original Ballad Assignment, Due on Thursday, February 12thPersuasive Research Paper:
1st Draft Due: March 10
Research Portfolio Due: March 17
2nd Draft Due: March 24
Final Paper Due: March 31
Reflection Paper Due: April 14
Handouts given out: None
To Read: None
