Podcast Assignment For this assignment you must choose a character from the novel, and create a podcast

speaking as them on the topic of racism/speciesism/prejudice amongst species. If you choose a character with a certain style of dialogue (like a mole or a sparrow) be sure to copy that style as best you can. Feel free to be as creative with this as possible, and try to stay true to the character while still speaking about the topic. If, for example, you chose to create a podcast as Cluny the Scourge, you can talk about the glory of your rat brethren in relation to the lowly mice, so long as your speech touches on the topic of racism in some way. Ive included a sample dialogue I wrote as the character Skipper of Otters, and Ive also included on our website my podcast of me saying dialogue. Mine is relatively short, I expect yours to be at least twice as long (approximately 300 words). Ill include a rubric below, so you know how assignment is being marked and what to aim for while you are working on it. To record the audio I downloaded an app onto my phone that could record sound, and then emailed the file to myself. Im sure there are countless ways to accomplish this, but if you have any questions or need any help just let me know as soon as you can. Podcast dialogue Otter (Australian for fun, and to say Matey and shipmate and such) Skipper Hey mateys, its your old friend skipper of otters here, and I wanted to record this to discuss speciesism. While Cluny has a horde of evil creatures who follow him around, we cant take that as a sign that all creatures of the same species are also evil. Thats a blanket statement, and a dangerous way of thinking. Guys, its mad to think of every creature of a given species being inherently good or evil. Oy, you want proof? Otters and weasels are both from the mustelid family, and are very similar in a lot of ways, yet otters are good and weasels are bad? Blimey thats insane! Get over

yourselves, the world aint that black n white. Ive known my share of bad, angry otters, and Ive also known some good natured weasels, so let the prejudices die. Thats it for may, hope you lot learned something. Cheers. Level 1
Character chosen reflects level of effort required Random creature, no attempt to mimic any speech patterns found within the novel Student clearly did not understand the themes discussed in class, and shows no effort to creating a podcast based on the topic Lack of creativity shown, with lackluster dialogue included

Level 2
Random creature, an attempt has been made to mimic speech, but unsuccessfully/limited level of effort present Student attempts to demonstrate an understanding of the topic, but fails to go deeply into the concept

Level 3
Owl, Hare, Henchbeast, Cat, words are written and voiced in the style found within the novel Student understands the themes discussed, and delves into the concepts well

Level 4
Mole or Sparrow, with a close attempt to mimic the words and speech pattern

Racism/Speciesism/ Prejudice

Creativity/Overall Impression

Student attempted creativity, but overall the podcast was below average

Excellent use of technology, with very satisfying results

Student clearly understands the themes we have talked about, and worked hard to incorporate them into the podcast, very successful Student went above and beyond in this podcast

For this assignment I would weigh the Racism/Speciesism/Prejudice aspect of the rubric higher than the other two, because its the area that shows what my students have been learning from our classes. Curriculum Expectations from this Assignment:
Oral Communication Purpose 2.1 communicate orally for a variety of purposes, using language appropriate for the intended audience Interpersonal Speaking Strategies 2.2 demonstrate an understanding of a variety of interpersonal speaking strategies and adapt them to suit the purpose, situation, and audience, exhibiting sensitivity to cultural differences Diction and Devices 2.4 use appropriate words, phrases, and terminology,

and several different stylistic devices, to communicate their meaning and engage their intended audience

Reading and Literature Studies Demonstrating Understanding of Content 1.3 identify the most important ideas and supporting details in texts, including increasingly complex texts Extending Understanding of Texts 1.5 extend understanding of texts, including increasingly complex texts, by making appropriate connections between the ideas in them and personal knowledge, experience, and insights; other texts; and the world around them Media Texts Producing Media Texts 3.4 produce media texts for a variety of purposes and audiences, using appropriate forms, conventions, and techniques