GUIDELINES:
1. choose a controversial book. The library will have a cart of books which
have been challenged or banned at some point in history.
2. you need to research the book in library books and the Internet and find articles about issues surrounding an attack (a challenge that may have led to a banning or removal.)
3. compile ideas: review the book—what are the potential concerns..…create a list of details from the book…try to establish a reason (or reasons) to challenge the book…formulate your own rhetoric to build an effective argument (logos=logical appeals, ethos=ethical appeals, pathos=emotional appeals…)
4. decide on your purpose and determine the potential audience
5. then you will be ready for the attack!
6. decide on clear reasons with strong supporting examples {think: passages from the book and/or your research}
7. you will have to make a flyer or poster with your position, reasons and support, along with the author and title (be creative and colorful!) [DUE _______________]
8. you will have to plan a 1-2 minute “tirade” to present to your audience (in this case, in front of the class), including an outline of your ideas [DUE ______________]
keys to success:
think persuasive reasoning and speaking techniques
use passion
go against your own beliefs
use logic, emotion and ethics to build rationale
always find clear and convincing support
be clear when you say “offensive” as to what and/or whom you mean
remember that an attack on a book is the result of someone’s own values
being undermined or threatened
the “voice” in your position should reflect a sincere urgency and
alarm
be creative and have fun!
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES:
These are the Internet resources where you can find articles that deal with
either your book in general or issues surrounding an attack.
GALE
STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER: This is a good place to find articles that deal
with your book in general. User ID: cinc48953
http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/cinc48953
NEWSBANK: Magazine and newspaper articles. This is a good place to find articles
about books being attacked. Password is Account:7675 Password:7675
http://infoweb.newsbank.com
EBSCOHOST: Magazine and
newspaper articles. You will be on the Infohio webpage where you have to
pick “Grades 9-12”, then go to “Ebsco – All
Databases”, then choose “Academic Search”. Password is User
Name:think Password:infohio
http://www.infohio.org/
WEBSITES:
ALA Banned Books Week: Information about the history of book banning, lists
of frequently challenged books, difference between a “challenged” and “banned” book,
and reasons why books are challenged. If you click on “Frequently Challenged
Books” there is a list of banned classics with essays on why each was
banned.
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
Banned Books Week: This site from Marshall University lists banned and challenged
books, photos of book covers, and a short description of why and where the
complaints were made. A very up-to-date list.
http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/default.asp
Classic Banned Books Online: Very informative history of banned books with
history of challenges to many of the classics.
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/banned-books.html