Literature Focus
Robert Lipsyte - The Contender

Visual Art Focus
Philip-Lorca diCorcia-Head #6, 2000
Lorna Simpson  - III

Lesson by:  Joy Healy & Ronnie Pastecki, Albany High School, Albany, NY

Goal:  Students will explore character analysis in literature and art by exploring how prior experience affects our assumptions about others.

Objectives: 

• Students will read chapter one of The Contender, by Rober Lipsyte.

• Students will evaluate Alfred's chances for success in life.

• Students will analyze the photograph Head #6, 2000 by Philip-Lorca diCorcia and will draw conclusions about the subjects in it.

• Students will analyze photographs (possibly taken from home school or other diCorcia's phototgraphs) to assess subjects and setting.

• Students will analyze  III, by Lorna Simpson and apply imagery to The Contender.

• Students will make "wishes" for Alfred's future.  As a follow-up activity, students will incorporate concepts from the videoconference into a creative writing exercise.

Materials:

• The Contender by Robert Lipsyte

• Videoconference with Albright-Knox Art Gallery using photograph Head #6,  2000 by Philip-Lorca diCorcia and III,  by Lorna Simpson.

• Additional photographs of high school scenes or of diCorcia's photographs.

• Hands-on examples of ceramic, bronze, and plastic to accommodate the study of III.

• Venn diagram of "Alfred:  Character Analysis" and Predictor Worksheet