English meme project for "The Pedestrian"

10th English Language Arts

period 2

Integrating Activity

Text-based meme English project

A meme is a virally transmitted image embellished with text, usually sharing pointed commentary on cultural symbols, social ideas, or current events. It is typically a photo or video, although sometimes it can be a block of text. When a meme resonates with many people, it's spread via social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, texting, and more. The more a meme is spread, the greater the cultural influence it has.

What is a meme?

The word meme came from the Greek word mimeme, which means imitated thing.Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins coined the word "meme" in his bestselling 1976 book The Selfish Gene.The term is used to describe an idea, behavior, or style that rapidly spreads from person to person in a culture. In his book, he likened a meme's spread to that of a virus. Decades later, Dawkins supported the appropriation of the word meme into the digital world. He said that the new meaning isn't that far from his original explanation.

The Origins of the Term "Meme"

What is mytask?

Research the themes in order to create meaningful and clever meme designs

Themes: a) Technology and dehumanization (2 memes)b) Noncomformity (2 memes)c) Nature vs city (2 memes)

The Pedestrian

Consider the story we have just read. What are some issues and/ or central ideas that emerge from it? Your assignment is to explore 3 of the main themes present in "The Pedestrian", by creating 6 memes that illustrate your knowledge and understanding of those issues. You'll be working in groups of 3 (few exceptions in uneven classes.) They shall be assigned in class.

Text- based meme project

Memes that resonate have the kind of humor that appeals to a wider group of people. Popular memes are often funny, ranging from silly humor to niche humor to more pointed political humor. Kids, parenting, pets, celebrities, movie scenes and everyday life offer endless meme material. If you consider using pointed humor, take into account these type of memes put forth an opinion, argue with others, take a provocative stance, or use darker subjects.

Showcase humor

Display the right image

A meme can be a still photograph or an animated GIF, as long as the content appeals to others in a shareable format. Make sure your image matches your text.

Great memes will...

Find some great meme generators inside these articles:

Use the right tools

Assignment requirements

• Prepare a presentation (use any format available: PPT, Prezi, Canva, Emaze, Genially, etc)
• Submit 6 creative and well- designed memes (2 per theme). Each meme needs a top and bottom text (1-2 sentences.)
• Images and language should be school appropriate.
• AFTER each set of memes provide a brief summary and/or explanation of the analysis you have made of the themes (include at least 1 quote from the text)
• Due date: Monday, November 30

Thank you!