Summary
Using pictures related to pop culture as mentor texts, students identify the archetypal figures represented. They then are broken into small groups where they choose a figure not previously identified to represent the archetype assigned to them and are asked to justify this choice to the whole group. Students create their own character to represent a particular archetype. Through a Gallery Walk/Carousel and reflective Quick Write, students make a real world application as to why people act/are the way they do/are, integrating an attitude of tolerance for the differences among people.
Essential Question(s)
What are archetypes? How does the media present characters through archetypes? Where are archetypes present in everyday lives?
Snapshot
Engage
Students examine pictures of pop culture to identify archetypal representations.
Explore
Students are assigned an archetype and then locate, through research, a pop culture representation of that archetype.
Explain
Students create an original character to depict a specific archetype.
Extend
Students engage in a Gallery Walk/Carousel, viewing and providing feedback for their peers' original characters.
Evaluate
In addition to the original character creation, students reflect on what they know of people’s differences and tolerance through a Quick Write.
Materials
Writing materials: pen, pencil, paper, etc.
Computers and/or iPads
Art supplies: paper, markers, colored pencils, etc.
Post-it notes
Engage
20 Minute(s)
Going into this lesson, ensure that students have prior knowledge of archetypes. At the minimum, make sure they know the definition of archetype.
Begin this lesson with a picture related to pop culture. Choose a figure with which most students are familiar. An example would be Harry Potter, a version of the hero archetype. Have students complete a 5-minute Quick Write explaining what archetype that figure represents and why. First ask students to share their Quick Write with an Elbow Partner, then have volunteers share their Quick Write with the class.
Provide another picture and have students repeat this activity individually.
After students’ individual work, focus a whole-class discussion on not just who these people are, but also why they act they way they do. It is important during this activity to point out how the media portrays these pop culture icons and whether or not that affects how we perceive them. Lead the discussion by pointing out that archetypes are not only present in pop culture, but also in our everyday lives. Encourage students to make connections from pop culture to their own lives.
Explore
35 Minute(s)
Place students in groups of 5 (or fewer) for the Explore. Assign each group one archetype to explore. Options include the innocent, the orphan, the hero, the caregiver, the explorer, the rebel, the lover, the creator, the jester, the sage, the magician, the ruler, etc.
Collectively, have each group use an iPad or computer to research a figure in pop culture who fits their assigned archetype. Groups should make a list of reasons why that figure is an example of that archetype and prepare to defend their example to the class as a whole.
Although all students should work collaboratively on each part of the assignment, encourage each group member to serve a particular role during their group exploration (e.g., facilitator, scribe, reporter, timekeeper, etc.). The roles are flexible and fluid, so give students autonomy during this activity.
After approximately 15 minutes, ask each group to share out. Encourage other groups to ask questions to presenting groups to help each group clarify their initial response and reasoning. Again, ask students to focus on the why (Why do certain people behave a certain way?) in addition to the how (How do they behave?) and the what (What are their physical and personality traits?).
Explain
40 Minute(s)
Have each student (either individually or collaboratively with a partner) choose one archetype that interests them and create an original character to represent that archetype. Ask students to consider both the outer and the inner traits of the character during this process, relying on their prior knowledge and experiences as they design their original character.
Archetypal traits could include some or all of the following:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Goals
Talents
Personality
Skin/hair/eye color
Physical attributes
Dreams/desires
Words
Thoughts
Require students to provide evidence and reasoning for who their characters are and how their characters represent the particular archetype they chose. As they design their characters on a piece of paper, have them keep a running list of traits related to that particular archetype on the back. Allow students to be as creative as possible and encourage them to use plenty of color to create a visually appealing piece.
Extend
30 Minute(s)
To encourage student reflection and feedback, have students place their archetypal characters around the room, whether on paper or on a laptop or tablet. Then engage in a Gallery Walk/Carousel. During the activity, ask students to write questions and comments on Post-it notes and leave them next to the characters they view. Ask them to think deeply about how each character/archetype could apply to people in real-world settings and leave comments/feedback centered on this connection.
Students should be encouraged to go back to their character and reflectively revise their traits and reasoning based on feedback from their classmates.
Evaluate
Evaluate group work and students’ individual archetypal character creation. Characters could be evaluated on the following criteria:
Neatness
Effort
Creativity
List of traits
Explanation of traits/supporting evidence
In addition, students should reflect on what they learned not only about archetypes, but also about differences among people in the real world. Students should answer the lesson’s essential questions in a brief, reflective Quick Write, which they turn in as they leave class.
Resources
Bennett, E. (2014). Pop Culture Cheat Sheet [PowerPoint Slide]. In Archetypes & Branding: The Unconscious Appeal. http://www.slideshare.net/EmilyBennett/archetype-overview-from-the-hero-and-the-outlaw?qid=e0a2dd70-ccb0-41f5-8b8a-c6957f503fe6&v=default&b=&from_search=1
K20 Center. (n.d.). Canva. Tech Tools. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/tech-tool/612
K20 Center. (n.d.). Elbow Partners. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/116
K20 Center. (n.d.). Gallery Walk / Carousel. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/118
K20 Center. (n.d.). Piktochart. Tech Tools. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/tech-tool/2394
K20 Center. (n.d.). Quick Write. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/1127
Leighfield, L. (2023). The 12 character archetypes. Boords. https://boords.com/storytelling/character-archetypes
Literary Devices. (2016). Archetype. http://literarydevices.net/archetype/
Lynne Cagle Graphics. (2002). Cooperative Grouping Strategies for Classroom Teachers. https://daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/file/view/Cooperative+Grouping+Strategies.pdf
