Louis+Riel+A+Comic+Strip+Biography

I have selected this text to be taught in Grade Ten Academic English classes. Although the text is rather long, it is a fast and pleasurable read. I think this text is an appropriate choice for a number of reasons. First of all, I think it will be of interest to the students. The form of the text, graphic novel, is one that I believe a majority of the students will be familiar with. This is a good way of accessing their prior knowledge of a genre without requiring too much introductory teaching. To be sure, I would spend a little bit of time reviewing the features and conventions of the text format. (eg. Panes, thought bubbles, caricature, French parentheses, etc.) The curriculum document requires students to read “graphic text forms”, and be able to identify a “variety of text features”. Also the text moves quickly, and the plot is understandable. Though there are a lot of characters, and large gaps in time, the graphic portrayal makes it easy to keep track. There is a lot of knowledge to be gained from reading this text. There are a number of possible challenges this text could present. Students could potentially lose interest in the genre if they are unfamiliar with it, though this seems unlikely. There will also assuredly be difficult conversations around the status of aboriginal peoples in Canada. Some students may react negatively to the portrayal of Aboriginals being entirely innocent of any wrongs, while the Canadian government is unrelentingly evil. The book has endured criticism for this reason. Seeing as I am certainly not a history expert, I would be sure to consult more historical sources relating to the era, to better arm myself for in depth discussion. Also, discussing Canada’s treatment of it’s aboriginal peoples, always get’s emotions running high and leads to discussion of a number of related issues. I would have to work to ensure the discussion was appropriate and mature, as well as related to the text in some way. Also, the text features a lot of violence, and due to the graphic form, it is quite explicit. Some readers may find it difficult to deal with. One further challenge with this text is the lack of female characters. There is almost none, and certainly none of substance. I would hate to isolate female students, so I would be certain to select other texts in the course that do feature strong female figures. This term I have become familiar with the computer program Comic Life. It is widely available in TDSB schools. Using this software, or drawing by hand, students would be asked to create additional scenes not shown in the text. For example, large gaps of time are skipped over when Louis Riel is in exile. Students could create chapters depicting the Red River settlement during his absence. How do they see him? Who is in charge during his absence? Or, they could examine Louis’ life in exile. The graphic novel form allows students to examine a characters inner thoughts and emotions simply by using ‘thought bubbles’, a convention of the genre previously learned. This allows for in depth analysis of a characters life. The curriculum requires students to write for evaluation and consider the “form” they are writing for, and the “voice”. This assignment meets that criterion well.
 * Louis Riel: A Comic Strip Biography by Chester Brown **
 * __GRADE LEVEL AND RATIONALE__**
 * __KNOWLEDGE__**
 * TEXTUAL: **Upon completion students will be able to fluidly read a graphic novel and be familiar with the conventions of the form.
 * SOCIAL:** The text tells the tale of a Canadian hero. It makes clear the way the Canadian government was explicitly racist and underhanded with the Metis people, as well as other aboriginal peoples. Though students may be vaguely familiar with the notion that Canadian aboriginals were mistreated in the past, this text brings it to a personal level.
 * CULTURAL:** Students will gain a new perspective on Aboriginal cultures and the hardships they have endured. The text portrays the aboriginals as a peaceful cooperative people who were brutally taken advantage of. It shows the Canadian government fighting unfairly and taking advantage of a peaceful people. Ideally students will come away with a better understanding of the need for governmental action to right the wrongs of the past.
 * TOPIC:** Being a historical text, there is a lot of factual information to be gained. Students will gain a complete biography of Riel, and partial biographies of other Canadian historical figures such as John A. MacDonald. Students will also be able to learn about Canadian geography, and Canadian confederation. Also, the book contains a detailed historical appendix for students who wish to deepen their historical knowledge.
 * __CHALLENGES__**
 * __ASSIGNMENT__**

Prepared and Submitted by Luke Gilgan Monday, November 16th, 2009