Analyzing Van Der Zee's Identity Curation
Year 11 IB Language and Literature Exploring Visual Techniques in Photography Resisting Stereotypes and Affirming Cultural Pride
WALT: We Are Learning To
Analyze how Van Der Zee curates identity through visual choices Model academic paragraphs using what-how-why structure Compare Van Der Zee's visual techniques with Langston Hughes' language use Use evaluative language and transitions for effective analysis
Success Criteria
I can identify Van Der Zee's visual choices that resist racial stereotypes I can construct well-structured analytical paragraphs using sentence starters I can compare artistic identity reclamation by Van Der Zee and Hughes I can use appropriate evaluative language and transitions
Guiding Questions
How does Van Der Zee curate identity through visual choices that resist racial stereotypes and affirm cultural pride? How do creators across time and space use language and image to reclaim identity and challenge dominant cultural narratives?
What-How-Why Analytical Structure
WHAT: Identify a visual choice in Van Der Zee's photograph HOW: Explain how this visual choice resists racial stereotypes WHY: Discuss why this matters for cultural pride and identity affirmation This structure creates comprehensive analytical paragraphs
Sentence Starters Scaffolding
WHAT: 'Van Der Zee presents/shows/reveals...' or 'This photograph explores the idea that...' HOW: 'This choice suggests/implies/symbolises...' or 'By using [technique], the image challenges...' WHY: 'This is significant because...' or 'In representing the subject this way...'
Model Paragraph Analysis: 'Evening Attire'
WHAT: 'Van Der Zee captures a dignified image of Black cultural identity' HOW: Eye-level camera angle, direct gaze, stylish clothing, symbolic objects WHY: 'Challenges negative stereotypes and affirms cultural pride' Notice the seamless flow between identification, analysis, and significance
Visual Techniques vs. Stereotypes
{"left":"Elegant clothing and accessories\nDirect, confident eye contact\nSophisticated studio setting\nCareful composition and lighting\nDignified posture and positioning","right":"Challenges poverty stereotypes\nResists submissive representations\nCounters crude or primitive imagery\nOpposes dehumanizing portrayals\nAffirms intelligence and sophistication"}
Practice Analysis Activity
Choose another Van Der Zee photograph Identify ONE visual technique (WHAT) Explain how it resists stereotypes (HOW) Discuss its cultural significance (WHY) Use the sentence starters provided Write one complete analytical paragraph
Connecting to Langston Hughes
Both artists reclaim identity through their medium Hughes uses language; Van Der Zee uses visual composition Both challenge dominant cultural narratives Both affirm African American dignity and pride Consider: How do word choice and visual choice serve similar purposes?
Lesson Summary and Next Steps
We analyzed Van Der Zee's identity curation techniques We practiced what-how-why analytical structure We explored how visual choices resist stereotypes Next: Detailed comparison with Langston Hughes' techniques Assessment: Analytical paragraph due next class
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