This project combines research with CREATIVE writing.
 
Just like a real author, students research background to formulate a narrative based in true historical events. Students research a country that has gone through a revolution or a social movement in the past or present. They pick a real historical figure or create their own fictional character who could have plausibly lived in this country at the time of this event. Students then create, develop, and write and/or illustrate a "faux memoir" from that character's perspective of the real events happening at that time.
 
This project promotes *STUDENT CHOICE*
Students can pick:
-A revolution or societal movement
-Options include prose or a graphic novel strip
 
Materials Included:
Historical Memoir Directions
List of Revolutions/Movements (Editable Version)
List of Revolutions (JPEG)
Annotated Bibliography Assignment - Directions for annotating sources specific to developing their own storyline
Graphic Organizer - Place for students to collaborate on developing their narrative and plan out their storyboard after conducting research
Evaluation Criteria
 
This was an amazing project and students blew me away with their final products! This project is especially powerful after studying texts in which revolutions occur (think Persepolis, Animal Farm).
 
Modifications
You can modify this project for any level.
Assign specific revolutions/movements to groups based on their familiarity with the subject matter. For a more challenging project, have students research a revolution/movement they know little about. Or, have students research a movement they may have studied in the past or one that you have been studying together in class.
Adjust the amount of literary devices required for the prose option or the sequential art (graphic novel) option.
Require that students complete research on their own, or provide them with resources that you have already vetted. If you provide resources, students can still complete the annotated bibliography assignment.
Evaluate students on all of the criteria on the rubric, or only keep parts of the rubric that you wish to target with your group of students.