The Canterbury Tales Project
Chaucer as a Social Commentator
For this project you will choose one of the tales to read and share. You can work either independently
or in collaboration with one or two partners. Groups larger than three are not permitted. Select a tale
and sign it up early- first come = first served and no repeat tales!
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Read your tale and take notes to record the important details that you will want to come back
to later.
Write a short summary of the tale for your classmates to read. Your summary should be
typed, a minimum of two paragraphs, maximum of one page, double spaced in size 12 font.
Be sure to include the important details of the text.
Prepare to share your tale with your classmates through a summary and an exhibit that
includes what the tale reveals about your chosen pilgrim and about the social culture of the
day.
Conduct research. You may use the computers or other sources to investigate and answer
research questions. Make sure your sources are credible. Some suggestions would be to use
Google scholar, POWERLibrary or other library resources and databases. Some questions to
think about include, but are not limited to:
o What social commentary does Chaucer offer in this tale?
o What social classes or roles are addressed in the tale and what point(s) does Chaucer
make about them?
o How does this tale develop or enhance the pilgrim’s character?
o Does Chaucer have a negative or positive view of these characters and topics?
Canterbury Museum
You will design an exhibit to reflect your tale. We will set the exhibits around the room and go on a
museum walk, spending time with each exhibit. Your exhibit should share the important information
about the tale with your classmates. Be creative with the design. Make sure to include the following
components:
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An eye-catching and interesting method of display. Perhaps a presentation board, diorama,
video, or other method.
An interactive component. This could be a game, a quiz, or an activity that teaches a lesson.
Think about the museums you have spent time in- how can you add something interactive to
your exhibit?
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An artifact. This could be something made, bought, or found. It should be an object that
reflects an important piece of your tale or pilgrim. Perhaps a symbol from the story or a
representation of a character or event.
In addition to the format and required components you will be graded on the content of your display.
The content should include the following:
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the summary of your tale.
further information about the pilgrim who told your tale. What does this tale tell us about this
character that adds to, enhances, changes, or develops the depiction given about him/her in the
general prologue?
information about Chaucer’s role as a social commentator. What does this tale suggest about
the social classes and roles addressed, as well as the general culture of the time?
information from at least two sources. This information should be integrated into your display
and project. Cite the sources in APA format.
Grading Rubric
Category
Creativity of
Display
Interactive
Component
Artifact
Summary
Pilgrim
Development
Social
Commentary
Research
Language
Format
Total
Description
Eye-catching, interesting, creative. Uses multiple
dimensions or senses, is easy to read and follow.
Original and engaging. Helps the visitor learn and
understand material.
Original, related to the display, helps the visitor understand
the topics and information.
Captures the major details of the story within the required
length. Helps the visitor understand and apply the story.
The information in the project helps to clarify the character
of the chosen pilgrim. Analysis builds on and goes beyond
information in “Prologue.” Provides evidence of engaging
with text and research.
The project clearly examines the role of social commentary
and the views offered by Chaucer in the work. All
appropriate classes or roles are included. Builds on and
extends beyond information in “Prologue.” Provides
evidence of engaging with text research.
Minimum of two credible sources of information used to
effectively enhance content of project. Information is
integrated into display and cited in proper APA format.
All written/spoken pieces of the project include correct
grammar usage and conventions.
All pieces of the project are in the correct format and of the
right length. The project is appropriate to the purpose of a
museum walk.
Points
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_____/15
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