Q1-Journey’s Beginning - Orientation

"Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." -Frodo Baggins to Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. IRL - Watch the World of Warcraft Cinematic Trailer - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

With your fellow Heroes, watch the World of Warcraft Cinematic Trailer. Discuss your thoughts about it with your Lorekeeper and fellow heroes.

2. Hero's Journal - The Beginning of a Journey (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Periodically, you'll share your thoughts in your online course journal. Sometimes, you'll be
given a topic to write about, other times you'll have the opportunity to free-write about anything you wish related to this course. Your assigned journals will be graded based on a rubric. You should review the rubric guidelines before posting to your journal.

• Visit ThinkExist.com's list of quotes on "adventure."
• Choose a point you like and copy and paste your chosen quote at the beginning of your Journal Entry. Be sure to cite the source (in other words, who said it).
• In one paragraph, explain what this quote means to you and how you think it relates to this class in your Hero's Journal.

3. Tavern Talk - A Cowardly Hero (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Complete a reading response that answers the following questions, “Does bravery equate to fearlessness?” Give a definition of bravery and what it means to you. Do you know any brave
individuals in your real life? Who are they? Are they fearless? What separates a brave person from a coward?

Share your thoughts with your friends in the Tavern Talk Forum.

4. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 1 of the Hobbit - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?
  

Answer the following question in text box:

Describe the first exchange between Gandalf and Bilbo. What different meanings does the phrase "good morning" have during this meeting?

Lore and Legend Literature Circle

QUEST 1: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Explore and inquire into areas of interest to formulate an argument.

• Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

END OF QUEST 1

Q2-Answering the Call - Introduction to World of Warcraft

A game is like a mirror that allows you to look at yourself. -Robert Kiyosaki, Author. Overview During Quest 2, we'll begin planning our characters for World of Warcraft. The choices you make when creating your avatar will determine your path in the world of Azeroth, the fictional world where WoW takes place. You will learn about the races and classes of World of Warcraft and a bit about how they work. That way, you can choose the race and class that best suits you.

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Tavern Talk - A Huge Decision (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

By now you should have studied race and class options in the player guides your teacher distributed to you. You may also use the following websites for additional information:

Races - http://www.wowwiki.com/Race
Classes - http://www.wowwiki.com/Class

This is a very important decision, because it will determine your path in Azeroth.

Once you have made your selection of race and class,tell us what you've selected and why in the Tavern Talk Forum . This may also be a good time to think about your character's name.

2. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 2 of the Hobbit - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life

In this chapter Bilbo wrestles with feelings of inadequacy.
Answer the following question in text box:

• How does this relate to your short time in this class?
• How did Bilbo escape from the trolls?
• How did he feel?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

QUEST 2: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Explore and inquire into areas of interest to formulate an argument.

• Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

END OF QUEST 2

Q3-What Is Your Name? - Creating a World of Warcraft Character

A game is like a mirror that allows you to look at yourself.
-Robert Kiyosaki, Author.

Overview
What's in a name? Why is a hero's name one of his or her most valuable possessions? The final stage of creating your World of Warcraft character is choosing a name for the character. This is not as easy as you may think. Once chosen, your name can define you. It is part of you. In this quest you'll read some websites about choosing and creating fantasy names.

In addition, you'll learn some basics of photo editing using GIMP. You'll learn how to capture a screenshot (or picture) of your World of Warcraft character, how to crop it, and how to make it your picture in the Moodle.

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Adventures in Azeroth - Character Creation (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

In Quest 2, you selected your class and race. Now you are ready to choose your character's appearance and name. To earn experience points for this challenge, complete the following:

• Choose your character's appearance.
• Choose a suitable name for your World of Warcraft character. You can find ideas for names at this website. Scroll down the page to find some cool name generator

2. Tavern Talk - Say Cheese! (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

By now you've created your first World of Warcraft character. You've chosen your race and class, and more importantly, you've chosen your name. In the Tavern Talk Forum, tell us your character's name and why you chose it.

3. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 3 of he Hobbit (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate and respond to the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?

Answer the following question in text box:

• Why is Rivendell hidden?
• Why do you think the Last Homely House has this name?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

QUEST 3: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Explore and inquire into areas of interest to formulate an argument.

• Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence

Production and Distribution of Writing

6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

END OF QUEST 3

Q4-Choosing a Path - Choices

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one
less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."
-Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken from Mountain
Interval

Overview
Your journey lies ahead of you and every choice you
make will determine your future. Even the smallest
choices can have a big impact on your future.
By now you've already made some big decisions.
You've chosen your race and class and you've chosen a
name for yourself. These are just the first of many
future decisions you'll be making. Heroes are faced
with choices all the time, and they're not always easy.
Remember, your choices will determine your destiny.
In this quest you'll be reflecting on what it means to
make choices. We'll also read a famous poem by Robert Frost called The Road Not Taken and talk about what the poem means to you.

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. The Road Not Taken (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

• Read and Listen to Robert Frost's poem, The Road Not Taken
• Write about a real-life choice you've made in your journal.

Hero's Journal

2. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 4 of the Hobbit (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate and respond to the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?

Answer the following question in text box:

• Should the people of Lake-town welcome the dwarves to their town?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

QUEST 4: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grades 11-12

Key Ideas and Details

2. Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.  (Hero's Journal - The Path Ahead)

Craft & Structure

4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.) (Hero's Journal - The Path Ahead)

END OF QUEST 4

Q5-What Is Your Quest? - Exploring Quests

"The quest for riches darkens the sense of right
and wrong."
-Antiphanes - Greek Dramatist

Overview
A hero’s journey is often defined by helpful acts
towards others. The hero sees these acts of
kindness as personal missions, or quests, that
allow him to demonstrate his courage, commitment, and fortitude.

This week you will begin that voyage by starting in-game questing. Choose a favorite quest you're currently on or take on a new quest. Analyze it. Who are the characters/organizations involved? What's the overall goal? Why does the NPC want you to do this (motivations)? Is there a moral choice involved? What's the reward?

When analyzing a quest, it is important to realize that they often exhibit the same elements of fiction you use to study literature: character, setting, plot, conflict, point of view, and theme. You can review these at

• Character - The characters are the "people" in the story who carry out the action.
• Setting - The setting is the location of the action.
• Plot - The plot is the actual story including structure - beginning, middle, and end. Characters act witin the structure of the story. The plot helps the reader to follow along as the action of the story unfolds.
  
• Conflict - Every story has a conflict to solve. The plot reveals the conflict or problem describes how characters behave to resolve the problem. The climax is the most exciting part of the plot. The climax leads up to the resolution, it is called the climax.
  
• Point of View - A point of view is how someone considers something. In a story, as in life, different characters see things differently based on their role in the story, their understaning of the problem, and the experiences and beliefs they bring to the situation.
• Theme - The theme is the central idea of the story that the author is trying to share with the reader.

After completing your analysis, it is time for you to create your own quest and help your peers with
their quests. Will your courage fail you, or will you rise to the challenge?

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Adventures in Azeroth (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

By the end of the week, you should complete at least 20 in-game quests. Once you have done
this, open your achievement window, find your stats for total quests completed, and show your
instructor.

2. Hero's Journal - A Real Life Quest (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Azeroth isn't the only place you will find quests. Think of a real life quest that you have
experienced and reflect on it in your journal. Were you successful in completing your task? What was your reward? Remember, not all quests have extrinsic (physical) rewards.

Hero's Journal

3. Tavern Talk - Quest Analysis (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Describe one quest that you chose from the game. Who are the NPC's? What is the purpose of the quest? What rewards will you receive for completing the quest? What challenge/conflict will you overcome to complete the quest? What is the setting of the quest? How long did it take you to complete the quest? Tavern Talk Forum

4. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 5 - (This challenge is woth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?

Answer the following question in text box:

• How does Bilbo's conflict with Gollum relate to your modern understanding of competition?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

QUEST 5: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grades 11-12

Key Ideas and Details

2. Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.

Craft and Structure

4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)  (Hero's Journal - The Path Ahead)

END OF QUEST 5

Q6-The Quest Giver - Writing Your Own Quests

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
-Andre Gide, French Writer

Overview
By now, you have embarked on several quests. These quests are beginning to define you as a hero. They shape you and form your reputation in the mind of those you help. Now that you have completed several quests in the game and have analyzed them, it is time for you to create your own quest and help your peers with their personal quests. Will your courage fail you, or will you rise to the challenge?

 

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Tavern Talk ...10 Rats (Writing Your Own Quest) (Complete a Quest and earn up to 100 XP)

a. Now it's time for you to take on the role of the quest giver and write your own quest. Think about the quests you've already completed or are currently working on in the game. Write a quest that one of your classmates will complete. It should include the elements you studied earlier this week and should be realistic. Will you have them collect 20 wolf pelts? Will they Be required to travel to a nearby village and buy water for you? Why do you want them to do this? These are things you should include in your quest.

Of course, the person taking the quest should receive a reward from you, too. What will you give them for completing the quest? Money? Clothing? A magical potion? Be sure you have the reward to give them! Post your quest in the Tavern Talk Forum

b. Now select and complete a Quest that is Posted in the Tavern Talk Forum

What was the quest? Were you successful?.

2. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 6 - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?
• Was it right for Bilbo to keep the ring secret?

Answer the following question in text box:

• If Gandalf is so powerful, why doesn't he just teleport all of the adventures to the mountain

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

QUEST 6: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grades 11-12

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

10. By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11–CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.  By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 11–CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently. (Adventures in Azeroth - A Friend in Need)

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. (Tavern Talk - 10 Rats - Writing Your Own Quest).

• Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
• Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.
• Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
• Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.
• Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

END OF QUEST 6

Q7-Don't Go It Alone - Adventure Groups

"If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships - the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Overview
Even the strongest of heroes often need help. In times of crisis they rely on the help of their friends, family, and peers to help them get through even the toughest and most dire situations. During this quest, you'll be forming groups with other heroes in your class and questing together.

You'll spend the first part of this quest in a random group, and another half in a group of your choosing. You should use your journal to reflect on communication, leadership, andbenefits/problems that arise while working in a group. Which is better, forming your own group or a random group? Do you prefer one to the other? Was one more productive than the other, why?

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Adventures in Azeroth - Teamwork Screenshot Contest (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

During this quest, your adventures in Azeroth will take you into dangerous territories. Your only
chance at prevailing is to work as a team! To complete this quest, you need to take a screenshot of one of your most difficult accomplishments that requires teamwork.

Paste the photo into a WORD document and add a caption. Save the document to the Quest 6 WoW Folder in the Student Share.

2. Hero's Journal - It's Good to Have Friends (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

During this quest, you have had to work with others to complete in-game objectives. How does
this relate to working with people in your real life? What are some of the benefits of cooperating with people? Is it ever difficult to be a part of a team? Give examples from your real life.

Hero's Journal

3. Tavern Talk - Single Sentence Story (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

During this quest you are adventuring with your fellow Heroes for the first time. These glories and even failures must be shared around the hearth.

Single Sentence Story
Your group should start a story of your great deeds in this forum. There is one rule to this story telling, each member of the group can only write a single sentence at a time. Once a single member has posted a sentence, the next member will post a sentence bellow the previous post. This should continue on until your group has a completed story with a beginning, middle, and end. Each group member should have at least 10 posts. Tavern Talk Forum

4. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 7 - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?

Answer the following question in text box:

• How do our homes offer us sanctuary similar to Beorn's home in the book?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

 

QUEST 7: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

• Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
• Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
• Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole and build toward a particular tone and outcome (e.g., a sense of mystery, suspense, growth, or resolution).
• d. Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
• Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.

END OF QUEST 7

Q8-Something Bigger Than Myself - The Mission of Hero Guilds

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."
- Vince Lombardi

Overview
Often times, adversity brings groups so close together that they form a bond that lasts far beyond any immediate threat. These groups form a community that acts as an extended family, providing direction, assistance, and guidance. In online games, such groups are often called guilds.

During this quest, our class will form a guild. What does it mean to be in a guild? Why join a larger group? Write a mission statement for the guild.

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Hero's Journal - Where do I fit in? (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

During this quest, you are attempting to define the purpose of the guild. The guild is the group that you belong to and will be associated with for the rest of this class. Groups play important parts in your life, from extracurricular activities to the group of friends you hang out with after school.

What groups do you belong to in real life? Discuss these groups in your journal this week. Do they provide meaning and purpose to your life? What do you get from belonging to these groups? Does it have rules? Can you be kicked out of the group, how?

Hero's Journal

2. Tavern Talk - Mission Statement (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

In this quest you will draft a mission statement for our guild. A mission statement is a short piece of writing that describes the main purpose of a business or organization. In this case, you are trying to describe the main purpose of our guild. Before you begin, think about why guilds have developed for games. What purpose do they provide to individuals within games?

How is our guild different from most guilds? Your mission statement should include:

1. The purpose of the guild.
2. The guilds primary members.
3. Responsibilities of the guild to its members.
4. The services provided by the guild to its members. Your mission statement should be no longer than a paragraph in length.

After you have completed your mission statement, comment on at least two other mission statements. Tavern Talk Forum

3. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 8 - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?

Answer the following question in text box:

• How do you think the dwarves attitude toward Bilbo has changed at the end of chapter 8?

Lore & Legenc Literature Circle

 

QUEST 8: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

• Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
• Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.
• Use appropriate and varied transitions and syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
• Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic.
• Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
• Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).

 

END OF QUEST 8

Q9-Sharp in Wit - Poems and Riddles

"A writer is someone who can make a riddle out of an answer."
-Karl Kraus, Austrian Writer

Overview
When we think of heroes, we often think of mighty warriors who accomplish great feats of strength, however there's much more to a successful hero than just muscle and might. A true hero must also possess a sharp wit.
They must use their minds because most challenges require much more than strength alone.

Sometimes heroes engage in battles against foes (and sometimes each other). These battles, however, are not fights with swords and magic, but simple a battle of wits.

A riddle contest is a common sight in taverns along the road to adventure as heroes engage in these friendly challenges. Are you sharp in wit? Will you challenge your fellow heroes with a riddle of your own?

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Tavern Talk - Write Your Riddle (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

It's time to write your own poetic riddle to challenge the locals to a test of wit! Use the resources given to you about writing riddle poems to draft your riddle poem. Post your riddle in the Tavern Talk Forum

Adventures in Azeroth - Riddle Me This...

The heroes with the most keen intellect and sharp wits could make a living simply out of riddle contests, often performing for kings and queens!

However, you are not ready for royalty; instead, you will start small by picking the nearest populated town. Then, start announcing that you are having a riddle contest. You should offer 1 copper to any player that can answer your riddle. Note: make sure that you honor this reward.

As you are having your contest, capture 4-5 screenshots of the evenf -- the moments of your performance and people answering your riddles.

2. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 9 - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper.

While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
  How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?
  

Answer the following question in the text box:

• What do you think it would be like to be invisible for a long period of time around people that you could not socialize or interact with?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

 

QUEST 9: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Production and Distribution of Writing

4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.) (Tavern Talk - Write Your Riddle!)

6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information. . (IRL - Share The Link To Your Animoto Video)

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

• Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.
• Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

END OF QUEST 9

Q10-A Light in Chaotic Times - Tweets and In-World Events

"Public calamity is a mighty leveler."
- Edmund Burke, British Statesman and Philosopher

Overview
Sometimes our journey can take an unexpected turn. Sometimes, just when the hero thinks they are near the end of their quest, another, more difficult challenge presents itself.

During this quest, we are preparing for the events of the Cataclysm expansion. Everything you've learned and have seen thus far in the world of Azeroth is about to change. A long-dormant evil is stirring in the heart of the world and it will soon break loose changing everything. How will you deal with this? How will it affect your journey?

CHALLENGE FOR THIS QUEST

1. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 10 - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. Submit the completed forms to your Lorekeeper. While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?

Answer the following question in the text box:

• Should the people of Lake-town welcome the dwarves to their town?

Lore & Legend Literature Circle

 

QUEST 10: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Informational Text » Grades 11-12

7. Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

English Language Arts Standards » Grades 11-12

Production and Distribution of Writing

4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)

5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

English Language Arts Standards » Language » Grades 11-12

Conventions of Standard English

1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

• Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested.
• Resolve issues of complex or contested usage, consulting references (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Garner’s Modern American Usage) as needed

END OF QUEST 10

Q11-The Will and the Skill - Hero Talents

"A round man cannot be expected to fit in a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape."
- Mark Twain

Overview
Heroes have different skills. Superman can fly and is super strong, while Batman has fancy gadgets and keen, detective skills. While not every hero has the same skill set, all heroes strive to perfect their strengths through hard work and experience. What skills does your character possess?

During this quest you should choose your individual characters talents and specialization. To prepare you for this important decision, you will first choose a character out of The Hobbit to use as a muse for your talent tree and specialization research.

Once you have chosen a character, such as Thorin, you will select what class he would be if he was thrown into the World of Warcraft game. You will then pick the characters talent tree and skill specialization and defend why you think this is fitting for the character.

Doing things like this is what gamers call "theorycrafting." After completing this theorycraft, you will choose your character's talent tree and research character specialization.

CHALLENGES FOR THIS QUEST

1. Hero's Journal - Who am I? (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

In this quest we are discussing character specialization and skills. Just like our in-game characters, we each possess a skill set that is unique. Our strengths and weaknesses determinenot only what we are good at, but how we can assist others.

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Are you good academically?
• Do you excel in a sport?
• Describe the qualities and traits that make you unique.
• How do these skills help others?

Hero's Journal

2. Tavern Talk - Taking the Hobbits to Azeroth (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Choose a character from The Hobbit to use for this research project. What class would that character be in the World of Warcraft game? What specific skills would they posses? Go to Wowpedia or WoW Wiki and research the classes and specializations to see what would be the best fit for your novel character. Select one quote from the class section that defends your choice of this class. This quote should be documented in this tavern talk using MLA citation rules for in-text citation. In addition, you should provide a Works Cited section at the end of your forum post. These rules can be found on the Purdue Online Writing Lab.

You should also find one example from the book that defends your choice of the characters class or skill choice. This example will also be cited in your forum post. After you have completed your research, go to the WoW Armory Talent Calculator to generate a talent specialization for your literary figure. You should get the link from this specialization to post on the forum.

Once you have finished gathering your research and developed your character's talent tree on the WoW Armory, it is time to construct your forum post. This post should follow all guidelines outlined in the rubric. In addition, you should be sure to give your chosen character's name, a link to your character's tree specialization, two in-text citations, and a work cited section that have bibliography information for both of your in-text citations.

Tavern Talk Forum

3. Lore and Legend Literature Circle - Chapter 11 - (This challenge is worth up to 100 XP.)

Ensure that you complete all required steps of the Literature Circle this week, and complete a Literature Circle Evaluation form for each member of your group. These forms should be submitted to your Lorekeeper though the course messaging service. While reading this week, contemplate the following essential questions:

• How do the decisions and actions of characters reveal their personalities?
• How can a person's decisions and actions change his/her life?
• How do you think Bilbo feels if he overhears what the dwarves are saying about him?
  

QUEST 11: COMMON CORE STANDARDS ADDRESSED

English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. (Tavern Talk - Taking the Hobbits to Azeroth)

8. Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation. (Tavern Talk - Taking the Hobbits to Azeroth)

9. Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (Tavern Talk - Taking the Hobbits to Azeroth)

• Apply grade 11-12 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., “Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced”). (Tavern Talk - Taking the Hobbits to Azeroth)

END OF QUEST 11