Coat of Arms Assignment

Personal Shield

I. Background

During the Middle Ages knights painted their armor and shields as a way of identifying themselves on the battle field.  Out of this practice arose heraldry, a tradition composed of a complex system of symbolism which included shapes, colors, animals, weapons and other objects.  Eventually, this practice has evolved into the elaborate family crests and mottos of today.

II. Assignment

   A. You will need to create a personal shield which symbolically represents your current identity

        and values or a character in literature and their values.

  B. Carefully write your name or the literary character’s name at the top of the shield.

 C..  Your shield should include the following items:

            1. the historical meaning of your/their last name,

            2. your/their current family’s role or identity or your identity in the family

            3. a personal characteristic, (patience, wisdom, strength, etc.) - something you are,

            4. a personal value you embody from the Middle Ages.

 D. Under your shield write a personal motto or creed.

III. Presentation

A.    You must present your shield to the class.

1.      Introduce/explain each section of your shield.

2.      Tell why you chose the symbols, words, pictures, etc. you did.

3.      End with your creed/motto and explain how/why it is important to you.

IV. Requirements

¨     On the back of your shield should be a typed , explanatory summary of the information, symbols, pictures, creed, etc. you’ve depicted on the front. See Presentation Section above for criteria.

¨     MLA citations are required for name history research, visuals, borrowed symbols and mottos.  See your MLA guides for format specifications.

¨     At least one (1) MLA citation is required.

¨     Size - no smaller than 11”x17”

¨     You must give your instructor the grading rubric before your presentation.  This can be found , along with the assignment sheet, at peninsula.wednet.edu under Mrs. Robison’s website.

Due Date:

Presentation Date: