During this unit, you will read Into the Wild and select one of the seven projects listed below. Each project not only targets different areas of literacy, but also targets different areas of interest. Select the project that fits both you and your interpretation of the story. Enjoy your selection and prepare to get much from your efforts.
Option #1: Writing a Parody of Into the Wild Description: In contemporary usage, a parody is a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject. Find a portion of Into the Wild to parody. You can parody an author's style, a particular character in a story, etc. Research parody to learn its different types and examples, so that you might incorporate such findings into your own writing. “Scary Movie” is an example of a movie parody. Requirements: 1) MLA format. 2) Three Pages 3) Typed
Option #2: Backyard Camping Description: As you know by now, Chris McCandless went into the wild--at least according to Krakauer--as part of a spiritual journey. He wanted to get to know himself on a deeper level and, as he put it, "kill the false fiend within". For this particular activity, you will spend one night--using common sense (unlike McCandless at points) and safety precautions--in your backyard camping. While camping, I will ask you to take 1-2 photos (like McCandless) and reflect on the following topic in journal entries: 1) How might time spent alone in nature help one to find one's self; 2) In what ways are you being self-reliant during this night; 3) What are your feelings (scared, tired, cold, etc.). As always, you will need a permission slip in order to do this activity. In addition, if it is too cold or rainy or whatever, please do not do this project. Switch to another one. Requirements: 1) 1-2 Photos 2)Three Page Journal Entry3) MLA format 4) Typed
Click Here For Required Permission Slip!
Option #3: Reading any Book by Thoreau, Tolstoy, or London Description: Since McCandless was clearly influenced by Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy, and Jack London, I will ask that you read a book by any of these authors for this project. Imagine yourself as McCandless reading this book. What aspects of the book would you find particularly appealing. Write a 2-3 page reflection. Requirements: 1) Three Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format
Option #4: Donating Time to a Charity Description: As we know, McCandless gave up $25,000 to Oxfam. For this particular project, I am not asking you to give up any money. I am asking you to give a bit of your time to a charity of choice. You should write a 2-3 page reflection on why you chose this charity, what you did while you were there, how the charity influences society, and any other interesting facts or aspects of the chairty. Requirements: 1) Three Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA Format
Option #5: Visual Representation of Chris McCandless's Journey Description: Chris McCandless visited a variety of towns and places. For this project, you will research many of the towns and cities mentioned in the book. You will search for pictures and interesting facts related to these places. You may either make a PowerPoint (10-15 slides) or a posterboard (10-15 pictures). In addition, you will write a 2-3 page paper about why you think McCandless was drawn to these places, what challenges he might have faced there, etc. Your book will help you with many of these questions. Requriements: 1) Three Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format 4) CD
Option #6: Into the Wild iMovie Description: This has the potential to be a group or individual project. If you work together, your requirements increase. Each person is responsible for writing an individual response. Choose a scene from the book and make it into an iMovie. Use dialogue or excerpts from the book. The scene should be approximately five minutes. It should be recorded in a format that can play on a Mac laptop. Each group member will write a two-page reflection on the experience and design of the scene. Requirements: 1)Video Recorder 2)Three Pages 3)MLA format 4)Typed
Option #7: Jon Krakauer Description: In addition to Into the Wild being about the life of Chris McCandless, it is also about the life of Jon Krakauer. For this project, you may choose another one of Krakauer books, essays, or articles from Outside magazine to read. You will write a 2-3 page papaer about how the article further explains who Krakauer is as an individual (his interests, his style of writing, interesting facts, etc.). Remember that, since we do not have a lot of time that some books might be too long. Requirements: 1)Book, Magazine Article, Essay, etc. 2) Three Page Reflection 3)MLA format 4)Typed