Ralph C. Mahar Regional
Standards-Based Weekly Lesson Plan
Teacher:
Helen Miller
Subject/Grade:
Art 2D
.
Grant Wood and American Gothic
Students will begin working on the Grant Wood/ American Gothic Art History unit. To begin students will
read the Scholastic Arts Magazine Grant Wood; Working with Narrative and answer questions
corresponding to the reading. As a class we will discuss Wood’s work, using the background knowledge
students have gained through the reading as a starting place. We will also look at the work of Dorothea
Lang and work on an activity that compares how we are present with idealized and realistic images in
present times and how they were presented during the depression.
On Thursday and Friday we will discuss American Gothic specifically, including its history and why it was
so popular at the time. We will also go over parodies of American Gothic and talk about the difference
between Parody and Satire. Student will take a version of American Gothic which has been altered and
write about their opinion of whether or not the alterations make it a parody or a satire. Students will
begin generating ideas for their own satire or parody of American Gothic.
Tuesday
Standard(s) Addressed:
1.9
Demonstrate the ability to create 2D and 3D works that show knowledge of unique
characteristics of particular media, materials, and tools
1.10 Use electronic technology for reference and for creating original work
2.16 Create artwork that demonstrates a purposeful use of the elements and principles of design to
convey meaning and emotion
5.8
Demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast two or more works of art, orally and in writing,
using appropriate vocabulary
5.9
Use published sources, either traditional or electronic, to research a body of work or an artist,
and present findings in written or oral form
5.11 Analyze a body of work, or the work of one artist, explaining its meaning and impact on society,
symbolism, and visual metaphor
8.6
Classify works from the United States and world cultures by genre, style, and historical period;
explain why the works exemplify a particular genre, style, or period
Enduring Understandings:
Art is best understood in the context of its art historical period.
Essential Questions:
How do we know what artists mean by their art?
Are artists always trying to convey some type of message?
Intended Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to



Identify and discuss the work of Grant Wood, especially American Gothic, including its art historical
context, development and impact.
Define parody and satire and discuss the difference between the two.
Create their own parody of America Gothic.
Assessments/Evidence of Student Mastery/Products:

Questions from Grant Wood Reading

Evidence of understanding of idealism and realism in the pictures they choose for each example
Student Learning Activities:





Read the article on Grant wood for the art historical background and biographical information on grant
wood
Answer the questions which correspond to the reading
View and discuss the work of Grant Wood
Compare and contrast American Gothic and Migrant Mother
Find one magazine image which depict an idealist view of something and one which depicts a nonidealistic view of something
Resources (Materials/Texts/Visuals/Technology):




Scholastic art magazine
Questions
Grant Wood PowerPoint
Magazines
Discussion of American Gothic and Parodies
Standard(s) Addressed:
1.9
Demonstrate the ability to create 2D and 3D works that show knowledge of unique
characteristics of particular media, materials, and tools
1.10 Use electronic technology for reference and for creating original work
2.16 Create artwork that demonstrates a purposeful use of the elements and principles of design to
convey meaning and emotion
5.8
Demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast two or more works of art, orally and in writing,
using appropriate vocabulary
5.9
Use published sources, either traditional or electronic, to research a body of work or an artist,
and present findings in written or oral form
5.11 Analyze a body of work, or the work of one artist, explaining its meaning and impact on society,
symbolism, and visual metaphor
8.6
Classify works from the United States and world cultures by genre, style, and historical period;
explain why the works exemplify a particular genre, style, or period
Enduring Understandings:
Art is best understood in the context of its art historical period.
Essential Questions:
How do we know what artists mean by their art?
Are artists always trying to convey some type of message?
Intended Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to



Identify and discuss the work of Grant Wood, especially American Gothic, including its art historical
context, development and impact.
Define parody and satire and discuss the difference between the two.
Create their own parody of America Gothic.
Assessments/Evidence of Student Mastery/Products:

Participation during class discussion of American Gothic Parodies
Student Learning Activities:


View and discuss the different parodies of American Gothic
Begin brainstorming for their own American Gothic Parody
Resources (Materials/Texts/Visuals/Technology):



American Gothic PowerPoint
Paper
Pencils
Vocabulary
Parody - an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for
comic effect.
Satire - the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or
vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
Pastiche - an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period, often with
satirical intent
Caricature - a picture, description, or imitation of a person or thing in which certain striking
characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect.