Writing

1. Travel leaflet or website

Write a compelling travel leaflet to tempt people to visit a new space colony. You can include the following points:

• name of the location

• description of location (anywhere but planet Earth)

• climate and weather conditions

• accommodation

2. Where science meets art

• fun facts about the area

• recommended things to do

• reviews

• estimated cost per person

• how to get there

Science and art have often been considered to be two separate disciplines, but the influence they have upon each other is considerable. The intersection of science and art is where many innovations and inventions are created.

One of the most famous examples of this is in the work of Leonardo da Vinci, who used his extensive scientific study to reproduce the world around him in his art, creating such well-known paintings such as The Last Supper and Mona Lisa and created flying machines after having observed how birds fly.

Write a short description of an important invention created in the intersection of science and art. If you have difficulties coming up with ideas, consider the inventions of Samuel Morse (1791–1872) or Galileo Galilei (1564–1642).

3. A modern Shakespeare a. Translate “When I consider everything that grows” into modern English. b. Write your own sonnet, following the format of a Shakespearian sonnet.

4. Celebrity culture

What does our modern-day obsession with celebrity culture look like?

Based on what you have learned in this unit about celebrity cultures during the Renaissance compared to today’s obsession with celebrities, write a compare and contrast essay about views on celebrities then and now. Use examples from the different eras to support your ideas. See page 172 in the English Handbook for guidance on writing a compare and contrast essay.

5. To colonize or not to colonize

After the debate in Speaking #3, choose one of the following assignments.

1. Write an argumentative text explaining why you believe it is a good or bad idea to colonize space by presenting arguments both for (pro) and against (con). See page 171 in the English Handbook for more information on how.

2. If you do think colonization is a good idea, write a brochure or advertisement, seeking people to join you. See page 174 in the English Handbook for help on writing a brochure.

Connect the dots

As shown in this unit, there are many parallels between the Renaissance and today, for example in technology and science. Find two or three areas or ideas where you believe this is true.

Remember to support your ideas with examples. The texts or the keywords from the beginning of this unit may help you get started.

Classical antiquity

Exploration of new worlds

Humanism

Individualism

Renaissance

Secularism a. In pairs or small groups, prepare your areas/ideas to participate in a discussion. Then, take turns presenting your ideas (do not interrupt the person who is presenting their ideas). Finally, discuss your ideas and see if you can rank them from most to least relevant. b. Write a five-paragraph essay discussing one or more of the areas or ideas that you have talked about. See page 170 in the English Handbook for more information on how.