Lesson Plan: Anglo-Saxon Period in English Literature

Subject: English Literature Grade Level: University

Introduction: - Begin the lesson by asking students if they are familiar with the term “Anglo-Saxon” and what they know about this period in English literature. - Provide a brief overview of the Anglo-Saxon period, explaining that it refers to the time period from the 5th to the 11th century in England, when the Anglo-Saxons ruled the land. - Emphasize that this period is significant in the development of English literature, as it marks the beginning of the English language and the emergence of important literary works.

Lesson Outline: 1. Historical Context (15 minutes) - Show a short video clip or use a PowerPoint presentation to provide an overview of the historical context of the Anglo-Saxon period. - Discuss key events, such as the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in England, the spread of Christianity, and the Viking invasions. - Highlight the impact of these events on the literature of the time.

1. Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Literature (20 minutes)
   • Introduce the main characteristics of Anglo-Saxon literature, such as the use of alliteration, kennings, and the oral tradition.
   • Show examples of Anglo-Saxon poetry, such as “Beowulf” or “The Wanderer,” and analyze their literary features.
   • Engage students in a discussion about the significance of these characteristics in understanding the culture and values of the Anglo-Saxons.
2. Beowulf (30 minutes)
   • Show a video clip or provide a brief summary of the epic poem “Beowulf.”
   • Distribute a worksheet with guided questions about the poem, focusing on its themes, characters, and literary devices.
   • Allow students time to work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet.
   • Discuss the answers as a class, encouraging students to share their interpretations and insights.
3. Assessment (15 minutes)
   • Assign a short writing task where students have to analyze a specific aspect of Anglo-Saxon literature, such as the use of alliteration or the role of heroic ideals.
   • Provide clear instructions and a rubric for assessment.
   • Collect the written assignments for evaluation.

Differentiation: - Provide additional resources, such as articles or excerpts from other Anglo-Saxon texts, for students who want to explore the topic further. - Offer support to struggling students by providing sentence starters or graphic organizers to help them structure their thoughts during discussions or written tasks. - Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss and analyze the literature, promoting collaboration and peer learning.

Plenary: - Summarize the main points covered in the lesson, emphasizing the significance of the Anglo-Saxon period in English literature. - Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how it has deepened their understanding of the development of English literature. - Conclude the lesson by encouraging students to explore more Anglo-Saxon literature on their own and to appreciate its cultural and historical value.

Video and Worksheet Resources: - “The Anglo-Saxon Period in English Literature” by CrashCourse (YouTube) - “Beowulf: The Oldest English Epic” by TED-Ed (YouTube) - Worksheet: “Analyzing Beowulf: Themes, Characters, and Literary Devices”

Note: The video and worksheet resources mentioned in this lesson plan are fictional and should be replaced with actual resources available to the teacher.