The Greek Tabloids

Westerberg, English 1-2 THE GREEK TABLOIDS

Objective: Together we will create a parody of a tabloid-style magazine, complete with advertisements and news stories, using the Greek myths, stories, and legends we learned about in class. This project will test our ability to use the information we have acquired about Greek mythology and to create something completely original from that information.

Parody: n. a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing: his hilarious parody of Hamlet's soliloquy. -dictionary.com

Step 1, Organize: With our designated publishers and editors, we will brainstorm the different sections of the magazine, modeled after contemporary tabloid magazine layout, and give our magazine a name

Step 2, Assign: Next, we will recount the stories we presented in class, and decide how to feature the stories in the magazine. Each staff writer will then be assigned a story to cover.

Step 3, Edit: Staff writers will present a typed draft of their stories to the editor, in class. The editor will edit the stories and the writers will go home and make revisions. Due:______

Step 4, Publish: The writers will e-mail their stories to the publisher. Due:______The Publisher will create a magazine layout for the stories complete with pictures, columns, and titles. The publisher will submit the story to me for print. Due:______

Scoring:

Writer: responsible for clever, clear writing and storytelling. The writing is logical in its flow, organized in its structure, interesting in its perspective/angle, and vivid in its style. All of the information is accurate though the way it is told is inventive. Min. 1 page single spaced with one image and caption. The writer will also have to create one advertisement, poll, quiz, or crossword. Comments:

_____/50 Editor: responsible for catching and correcting any errors made by the writers and offering insights for revisions so that the writers’ obligations (see above) are fulfilled. Comments:

_____/50

Publisher: Responsible for the quality of the final product. The work is colorful and well-organized. It contains a title page, a table of contents, well-formatted text, and photos with captions. Comments:

_____/50

Have fun. Imagine that these Greek stories are real and that the characters depicted within them are alive. Your job is to report the latest gossip. Be creative, open your minds, and enjoy the writing.