Bioshock: themes: utopia, point of view, anti-hero, trust, setting, science and morality and the limits of
both, free will
Cross texts, Harrison Bergeron, The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time, Lord of the Flies, Brave New World
God of War: themes, anti-hero, mythology, tragedy, morality, symbolism, revenge
Cross texts: Greek mythology
Jade Empire: themes: hero, morality, Chinese mythology, power, character, nature, symbolism
Cross texts: Dragon Wings, Chinese myths,
BIOSHOCK
OTHER TEXTS: The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time, Lord of the
Flies,Brave New World “Harrison Bergeron,” “Golden Kite, Silver
Wind”
Projects: Level design (group project), event timeline/
speculation, Defense or attack of Ryan (essay or editorial),
create Ryan’s appeals (come to Rapture, follow him, death
penalty, splice up), Splicer/ character biography, plays based
on background in Rapture, research paper, science of rapture,
debate, trial of Fontaine or Ryan
Terms: utopia, rapture, parasite, splice, constrain, cult of
personality, pheromones
Christian references: Adam, Eve, Lazarus (Vector), Rapture,
Atlas, Aphrodite, Hephestus
Research topics: Fashion, advertising, music, Howard Hughes,
pheromones
JOURNAL: Main characters, descriptions, where found, activities,
favorite quotes
DIARY: Choose a character (main or otherwise) create an audio or
video diary of their life pre Rapture’s fall, during the fall,
and at present) Use info from the game itself as reference.
Quote collector:
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Falling into Rapture-a land without restraint
Characters: Atlas, Andrew Ryan, Little Sister, Big Daddy,
Splicer, Dr Steinman, Dr. Tennebaum, Dr Suchong
Minor: Johnny, Gun Mother, Dianne McClintock
Andrew Ryan believes we should have whatever we are able of
creating or conceiving. That we are held back by things like
morality, faith, and government and that our world would be
better without it. How is this different then the American
Dream? What does it have in common with the American dream?
“They told me, ‘Son, you’re special. You were born to do great
things.’ You know what? They were right.”
“No gods or kings.
overhead.
Only man.” Ironic Ryan is staring at us from
“Rapture Nov. 5, 1946 One man’s vision mankind’s salvation”
What information do we get about the protagonist?
What does the card on the package say?
What do you think is in the package?
Why do you think the plane crashed?
Is it coincidence that is crashed on top of Rapture?
What are some clues we get about this place from the setting?
What are the tattoos on his wrists?
What could they mean?
What are your initial impressions? What stands out at you?
What mood does it create? What do the creators do create fear,
unease or danger? Choose one detail, draw it, why does it stand
out/ interest you? What is its significance in the game?
What do the signs say?
What does this tell you?
What in Rapture feels comfortable?
Uncomfortable?
Medical Pavillion- You want to find him?
Just follow the blood.
Theme: Medicine
How does this place contribute to making Rapture a utopia?
What is ironic about Dr. Steinman? “Above all do no harm”
Chart and explain Dr. Seinman’s evolution. How did he start?
What did he become? Find and explain five important quotes
(they may be written or spoken) from Dr. Steinman.
“The great will not be constrained by the small” Irony and
meaning
Who are the Little Sisters? What is there purpose and who
created them? What is Atlas’s opinion of them? Tennebaum’s?
Neptune’s Bounty
Characters: Peach Wilkins, Fontaine
What is the first thing you see?
What message does it send?
What has been going on between Fontaine and Ryan?
What are some of the problems Rapture has had in its “perfect
society?”
“We all come down here, figured we’d all be part of Ryan’s great
chain. Turns out Ryan’s chain is made of gold and ours are the
sort with the big iron ball around your ankle”
How and why does Jack, the protagonist align himself more firmly
with Atlas and make an enemy of Ryan?
Arcadia >Project work starts here<
Theme: Outdoors
Characters: Dr. Julie Langford, Tasha Denu
Where do the ghosts come from?
How is a forest created under the ocean and what are two
advantages does Ryan put it to?
What does Ryan do to try to stop you and what it’s further
reaching effects? What does this tell us about Andrew Ryan and
his care for his people?
What happens to Dr. Langford? What does this say about Ryan?
Did she deserve it? Why or why not?
Farmer’s Market
“A man creates.
A parasite asks, ‘Where’s my share?”
FORT FROLIC
Theme: The arts/ entertainment
Characters: Sander Cohen, Jasmine Jolie, Chief Sullivan, Silas
Cobb, Martin Finnegan,
Who is Jasmine Jolie and what was her fate?
How did Fontaine use Jasmine?
Describe Sander Cohen.
Ryan and Fontaine?
How did he react to the struggle between
Hephaestus “A man chooses. A slave obeys.”
Characters:Anya Ansdersdotter, Pablo Navarro, Kburz
Name five people who have been pushed into doing things they
wouldn’t normally do? What did they do and why?
Who is Jack?
Describe and explain Ryan’s actions?
What were Atlas’s intentions?
What did he do to achieve these?
Who do you think is most to blame for Rapture’s current state?
What could have been done to save Rapture?
PROJECT WORK OUTLINES
+Design a level
This may be done alone or in teams. If done alone the student
should choose one aspect explained below.
Choose a theme for the level that would fit into the game. It
should be original. Write a page explaining your thinking
behind the level, mood, how it moves the story forward, what we
learn about the characters and world,
Give it a difficulty rating. Map out the area and enemy layout.
Write a page explaining your decisions. What design aspects are
you incorporating?
Create enemies and a boss for the level. There should be
sketches and a final rendering of the enemies, and profiles for
each that list their powers, movements, motivations, how they
fit into the level and how they fit into the game’s story and
world.
Describe the level, what will its architecture look like, what
objects will be placed in the world, sketches, final renderings
and written explanations should be included.
DIARY: Choose or create a character (main or otherwise) create
an audio or video diary of their life pre Rapture’s fall, during
the fall, and at present) Use info from the game itself as
reference.
Student will have three video or audio diaries and their
transcripts which:
-are original and interesting
- contain events specifically mentioned in the game
- are from a distinct character’s point of view (I learn about
them and the event, it sounds like a real and individual person,
it is not just a retelling of an event but a reaction to it,
their interest and participation in it)
-are accurate given what we know from the text
- contain a picture of the character (if audio) or costume and
setting if video
- follow written format provided by your instructor
Persuasive Essay Criteria
Overview: The essay is five paragraphs long, introduction, two argument and
evidence/example paragraphs, one counter to counter, and a conclusion. Each
paragraph must have a lead, an assertion must be made and adhered to throughout
the paper, NO kindas, maybes, or waffling! Evidence must be clearly and artfully
presented and your best arguments must be chosen. You will also have to turn in a
pro/con chart showing at least TWELVE thoughtful arguments for both sides
including counters.
BREAKDOWN
INTRO: Starts with an interesting lead, explains both sides of the argument,
clearly asserts one side.
BP1 (option one) Presents three STRONG arguments for your side with exhaustive and complete
examples whose sources are cited. At least one piece of evidence should be a fact or quote from a
reliable source and correctly cited.
BP2 (option one) Presents three strong arguments AGAINST the opposing side with exhaustive and
complete examples whose sources are cited. At least one piece of evidence should be a fact or
quote from a reliable source and correctly cited.
BP1 (option two) Presents a strong general argument for your side and give three pieces of evidence
to back up or explain it At least one piece of evidence should be a fact or quote from a reliable
source and correctly cited.
BP2 (option two) Presents a strong general argument for your side and give three pieces of evidence
to back up or explain it At least one piece of evidence should be a fact or quote from a reliable
source and correctly cited.
BP3 Gives a strong argument for the opposing side and counters it with thoughtful
and complete evidence and explanation.
CONCLUSION Start with an interesting lead, explain the argument again,
reassert your assertion, and restate your arguments.
Jade Empire
Other texts:
Terms: Chi,
Research topics: Chinese mythology,
*Note: this game has freedom of movement, so the questions may not be answered in the
order they are given or all at once. Some questions require your own thought and opinion
based on the game**
CHAPTER ONE
***Throughout the story you should be paying attention to how good actions
or characters can do evil and how bad actions or characters can do good. First
example should be the emperor***
” Wherein a Master foretells of doom, a rival challenges for station, And the past haunts the
present.”
”I learn something every time we meet, proving that loss is sometimes the best teacher” Jing
Woo
Characters: Master Li, Dawn Star, Student Lin, Gao the Lesser, Jing Woo, Smiling
Mountain, Lotus Assassins, Kia Min, Death’s Hand, Hing and Fen, Sagacious Zu
Terms: Idyllic, portent,sagacious
What kind of character did you create and why?
How would you describe the personality and world view of the character you created- how
will you play her, tyrant, saint?
Describe the setting.
What time of day is it? What do you think that symbolizes?
What do you find out about your own past (Three things)
What does Li tell you the major conflict is?
One of the books tells of auspicious portents, what do these include and what character are
they connected to and why?
Tell of Dawn Star’s history.
What does Gao want from Dawn Star? How does she feel about him?
Tell me about Gao. Give two reasons he is Gao the Lesser.
Tell me about Dawn Star and her special ability.
Who are the assassins after?
What are some things that surprise you about Master Li(4)?
What do we find out about spirits?
What do we learn and who do we meet in the spirit cave?
Explain the problem the spirits are having.
What surprises Master Li?
Describe Sagacious Zu.
What are the major conflicts in this chapter and how are they related?
Tell of Master Li’s history.
Secrets found and lessons learned:
Strategy (tips for gameplay or combat, or problems you are having):
CHAPTER TWO
***Throughout the story you should be paying attention to how good actions
or characters can do evil and how bad actions or characters can do good. First
example should be the emperor***
“Wherein the Dirge is detailed, The woman in black speaks of Death’s Hand, And Gao
the Greater learns the fate of his son.”
Characters: Silk Fox, Death’s Hand, Yifong, Fuyao, Minister Sheng, Hui, Mother Kwan,
Zhong, Kindly Yushun, Turnkey Shiji, Chai Ka, Wild Flower, Sky, Kang the Mad, Gao
the Greater, Lim, Mistress Jia, Forest Shadow, Black Whirlwind, Henpecked Hou,
Mother
Terms: insolence,
What time of day is it? What do you think that symbolizes?
What is the Blue Lady’s message to you and what does she tell you of the history?
Describe Silk Fox. Who does she think you are, what does she notice about you?
Who is Hui and what were her tasks?
Who do you think ”the child” is? Why?
What problem did the emperor solve and how did he solve it? What do you think of his
decision?
Who is the shepherd of the dead?
Describe Tien’s Landing.
What are the problems Tien’s Landing is having?
What do you find in the ruins? What happened there?
What time of day is it? What do you think that symbolizes?
Who are the enemies in the quarry and what was their fate?
What did you decide to do about the dam and why?
Who do the pirates work for and what are they working on?
What are the major conflicts in this chapter and how are they related?
Who is the Blue Lady?
Describe Heaven.
Describe the caves.
Did you take the side of the Forest Spirit or The Mother? Why? Are you happy with your
choice? Why or why not?
Are you happy with your choice? Why or why not?
Secrets found and lessons learned:
Strategy (tips for gameplay or combat, or problems you are having):
CHAPTER THREE
***Throughout the story you should be paying attention to how good actions
or characters can do evil and how bad actions or characters can do good. First
example should be the emperor***
“Wherein the Imperial City is revealed, Silk Fox reveals her station, and the lLotus
Assassins are infiltrated.”
Characters: Princess Lian, Ya Zhen, Smiling Hawk, Master Radiant, Doctor An, Qui,
Lucky Cho, Kai Lan the Serpent,
Compare and contrast the Imperial City and its people to the other places you’ve been.
How do the Lotus assassins distort the deeds of your character (listen to the town crier)?
Describe the situation at the Black Leopard School.
Who did you choose to help at the school and why? Are you happy with your choice? Why
or why not?
Name and describe the human arena fighters.
What is Black Whirlwind’s connection to the arena?
Describe Lotus Assassin stronghold and its inhabitants.