Introduction:
The novel In the Heat of the Night was published in 1965, at the height of the civil rights movement in the United States, as African Americans struggled to obtain equal rights with White Americans. This struggle was long and difficult, and was marked by racial intolerance and violence of the worst kind. In 1967, with the civil rights struggle far from settled, the novel was adapted into a motion picture with the same title.
The novel and the motion picture have radically different perceptions of the attitudes and perceptions of the time. In adapting the plot, the producers of the motion picture created a work which is very different from that of the novel.
Assignment:
The assignment comes in two parts, and makes the assumption that you have read the novel at least once. It is strongly recommended that you read it again as you complete the assignment.
Part One – Information gathering. We will screen the motion picture version of In the Heat of the Night in class (note that it is available from public libraries and on youtube.com). Again, it is suggested you watch it more than once.
As we screen the film, note as many points of difference and points of similarity as you can. We will stop the film from time to time to ensure you are noting as many of these as possible.
These notes will form the basis of the second part of the assignment.
Part Two – Assessment. You will compare and contrast the novel and the motion picture in a well written essay, and then provide your opinion as to which you prefer. Note that your preference could be based on which of the two you feel is the more effective detective fiction, the more effective drama, or the more effective in terms of how it reflects the volatile racial climate of the time.
The Essay. Your essay will be of at least 750 words (that’s about 3 pages, 12 point font, double spaced), and will consist of at least three (3) extended paragraphs, as well as a thesis and a conclusion.
The screening of the film will take about three class periods, including time for discussion.
The Final Copy of your essay will be due in class on_______________, and will be assessed out of 40 marks. You will also receive a IB MYP rubric for the essay (this rubric is attached).
Criterion A: Content
Language A Assessment Rubric:
Compare and Contrast
IB MYP UNIT QUESTION:
“How to prejudice and preconceptions affect our perception?”
Achievement Level
Criterion A:
Content
Understanding of topic and theme
What perceptions will your reader gain?
Details and support essay
Are your points of Similarity and Difference well developed? Assessment
Is your assessment of the novel and the film clear?
Defence of Your Thesis
Have you proven your thesis?
0
Not reached
1-2
Very limited understanding
Lacking development
Does not reflect
Unclear
3-4
Limited understanding
Insufficient development
Limited reflection
Some clarity
5-6
Sufficient understanding
Adequate development
A degree of reflection
Mostly clear
7-8
Good understanding
Substantial development
Substantial reflection
Good clarity
9-10
Perceptive understanding
Illustrative development
High degree of reflection
Sophisticated clarity
Criterion C: Style and Language Usage
Language A Assessment Rubric:
Compare and Contrast
IB MYP UNIT QUESTION:
“How to prejudice and preconceptions affect our perception?”
Achievement Level
Criterion C:
Style and Language Usage
Spelling
Did you proofread to check for spelling errors?
Word Choice
Does your word choice aid in communication of your ideas?
Syntax
Have you used appropriate grammar and made sure it is correct? 0
Not reached
1-2
Very frequent spelling errors
Persistently hinders communication
Frequent grammatical errors
3-4
Regular spelling errors
Sometimes hinders communication
Regular grammatical errors
5-6
Some spelling errors
Occasionally hinders communication
Some grammatical errors
7-8
Occasional spelling errors
Rarely hinders communication
Minor grammatical errors
9-10
Infrequent spelling errors
Effective communication
Few to no grammatical errors