Rights of Passage

“Rights of Passage” represents transitional stages in life that signify the growth and development of the individual.  This allows for the acceptance of deeper responsibilities, the ability to take on new roles, relating differently to others and or awakening to new realities

The classic pattern of rites of passage involves three steps:

1.      Severance

2.      Threshold

3.      Return

In some instances, these steps are literal and acted out in a structured way for the community to see and celebrate. In other cases, they are more symbolic or internal to the person undergoing the transition.

Severence

·         This involves the letting go of something or someone ie) to parents by cutting the symbolic umbilical cord tying you to your childhood. 

·         You become ready to have your own growth experience, acting as your own person.

·         This might be views as a symbolic death and rebirth.

Threshold (a.k.a. liminal stage)

·         You voluntarily take on a form of testing or "make your stand”

·         This transition may represent a change in behavior, an accomplishment, a new role, deeper understanding, or some other form of personal growth.

·         This may involve taking actions that are symbolic or ceremonial ie) body paints, masks,fasting, lighting candles, piercings (more common in boys)

·         Some cultures have tests of endurance, bravery and competence or cleansing through the leadership of an elder in their society

·         In some cultures the initiate is isolated in order to give the community time to adjust to the change

Return

·         Transformed, you step back across the threshold of adulthood and return to the life you left behind

·         Upon reuniting, your new self is ready to share personal growth with others and carve a different niche into your home and community.

·         The sharing of food is the most common form of community participation


SGA: Small Group Acting

 

SGA's are used to try to portray real life issues in Society. They work best when the actors make a real commitment to bring the facts to life. SGAs will occur on a regular basis as a part of your Portfolio.  For each unit we will choose topics and bring them to life. Refer to the rubrics to see how you will be assessed. 


SGA group will consist of 4-6 students per group.  Students may switch groups for each unit if desired.

You will be given a set amount of time to prepare you skit. In the allotted time you must:

1)      Research the topic by answering the following questions:

a)    What is the issue/ topic about?

b)    Who are the key people involved?

c)    Who or what are the sides? 

d)   What action is/was taken? 

e)    What are/were the results?

f)     Why is this event important to Society?

g)    What is the message of the presentation?

·         brainstorm ideas (identify the main ideas and how you want to perform your skit)

·         develop a script (you may not read from a paper during your performance)

·         practice your skit (run through so that the performance is professional)

·         perform your skit for the class

2)      There should be a handout that accompanies your particular focus.  It should be one page in length and should be given to the instructor in digital form so it can be posted to the website.

Checklist

Each SGA must have the following

 

HINTS:  TV shows, memory flashbacks, radio show, storytelling, re-enactment, musicals, songs etc.

SGA Rubric

Thinking / Inquiry

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Research of topic

Script research shows limited accuracy and use of texts

Script research is mostly accurate and shows moderate evidence of use of texts

Script research is accurate and shows evidence of competent use of texts

Script research is accurate and shows evidence of information from sources other than provided texts

Communication

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Writing Skills

Language is occasionally concise and suitable; grammar and spelling are rarely correct

Language is sometimes concise and suited to the topic; grammar and spelling are sometimes correct

Language is frequently concise and suited to the topic; grammar and spelling are usually correct

Language is concise and suited to the topic; grammar and spelling are correct

Acting

Uses voice and body movements with limited skill; inaudible voice; little movement

Supports interpretation of  characters with an audible voice and some characteristic action

Varies pitch, tone and volume to reflect interpretation of the characters; gestures and actions are appropriate

Uses pitch, tone, pacing, and volume to skilfully render characters; gestures and actions reflect and complement an insightful view of the characters

Direction

Poor shift from scene to scene; actors move aimlessly or stand still; poor use of space

Awkward shift from scene to scene; actors move with some degree of purpose; awkward use of space

Good shift from scene to scene; actors move with purpose; appropriate use of space

Seamless shift from scene to scene; actors move with skill and purpose; skilful and creative use of space

Entertainment

Story has limited interest or excitement; needs considerable development

Story is somewhat interesting; needs some development

Story is well-developed and presented in an interesting manner

Story is well developed and presented in an interesting and exciting manner

Application

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Connection to historical defining moment

-production lacks any real historical relevance or meaning to the topic

-adequate production of the SGA to show the historical meaning of the topic

-proficient production of SGA to show the historical meaning of the topic

-exceptional production of SGA to portray the historical importance / meaning of the topic




Topic

Group Members

Mark  / 10

1-      Iraq – Courtship & Marriage

1
2
3
4
5
6

 

2-      Japanese Attire

1
2
3
4
5
6

 

3-      Kenya – Rights of Passage

1
2
3
4
5
6

 

4-      Zimbabwe: Childhood

1
2
3
4
5
6

 

5-      South Africa: Children

1
2
3
4
5
6

 

6-      Cultures & Customs – The Philippines

1
2
3
4
5
6