Resistance Launch Slides VOICES OF RESISTANCE
Graphic Story Project
INSPIRATION
Learning from Persepolis
Like Marjane Satrapi, we will explore how government control and propaganda impact everyday lives.
High-contrast visual style
Emotional facial expressions
Symbolic imagery
Real historical stakes
"One can forgive but one should never forget."
— Marjane Satrapi
THE MISSION
Your Project Goals
1
Research
Find a real historical instance of government oppression or manipulation.
2
Visualize
Create an 8-panel graphic story showing how this control affected people.
3
Connect
Explain how your researched history mirrors the themes in Persepolis.
Themes of Oppression
Surveillance
Constant watching and fear of being reported by neighbors or state police.
Propaganda
Manipulating information to control how people think and what they believe.
Loss of Freedom
Removal of basic rights like speech, movement, or choice of clothing.
Resistance
Small or large acts of defiance against an unjust authority.
DAY 1
Research & Selection
Your Task Today:
Select a country and time period of oppression.
Research 3–4 key facts about how the government controlled the people.
Identify specific examples of propaganda or manipulation.
Complete the Planning Sheet.
Topic Ideas
Apartheid South Africa, East Germany (Berlin Wall), The Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, Military Dictatorships in Latin America.
Resistance Planning Worksheet Research Rebellion
Name:
Date:
"There is no revolution without research. Identify the walls that were built so we can show how they were broken."
01
The Context
Country & Time Period
Primary Authority / Regime
02
Mechanics of Control
How did the government maintain power? Think about laws, propaganda, surveillance, and loss of rights.
#1
#2
#3
03
The Human Story
Identify a specific event or a typical daily struggle faced by the people. This will be the focus of your graphic story.
Voices of Resistance Project • Day 1 Planning
Inspired by Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Graphic Blueprint Storyboard Graphic Blueprint
Day 2: Sequential Storyboarding (8 Panels)
Student:
Objective: Map out your 8 panels. For each panel, provide a rough sketch of the action, a narration/caption explaining the event, and any dialogue (speech bubbles).
PANEL 01 Beginning
Caption / Narration
PANEL 02
Caption / Narration
PANEL 03
Caption / Narration
PANEL 04
Caption / Narration
Graphic Blueprint (Cont.)
PANEL 05 Middle
Caption / Narration
PANEL 06
Caption / Narration
PANEL 07
Caption / Narration
PANEL 08 End
Caption / Narration
Inking the Truth Final Panels Inking the Truth
Final Graphic Story • 8 Panels
Artist:
Expressions
Use strong eyebrows and mouth shapes to show fear, anger, or hope.
Contrast
Incorporate heavy blacks and stark whites for a dramatic, graphic effect.
Symbolism
Use objects (walls, chains, birds) to represent control or freedom.
01
02
03
04
Panels 05-08
05
06
07
08
Inking Guidelines Slides INKING THE TRUTH
Visual Storytelling Guidelines
STYLE
Visual Expectations
Expressions
Use strong eyebrows and mouth shapes to show fear, anger, or hope.
Contrast
Incorporate heavy blacks and stark whites for a dramatic, graphic effect.
Symbolism
Use objects like walls, chains, or birds to represent control or freedom.
Story
Narrative Requirements
01
The Structure
Your story must have a clear Beginning → Middle → End across 8 panels.
02
Text & Dialogue
Every panel needs 1-2 sentences of captioning or narration, plus speech bubbles where needed.
Pro Tip
Don't try to draw everything! Focus on the most important moments that show how the oppression felt to the people.
RUBRIC
How You'll Be Scored
History
Information is accurate and clearly explained in your captions.
Visuals
Panels clearly show events, strong emotions, and use contrast.
Connection
Your reflection explains deep similarities to Persepolis themes.
Effort
Panels follow a clear sequence and show artistic care.
Total Score: 16 Points
Final Checklist
8 panels are complete and inked
Each panel has a clear 1-2 sentence caption
Visuals include heavy black/white contrast
Persepolis Connection Reflection The Persepolis Connection
Day 4: Synthesis & Reflection (RL.9)
Name:
The Writing Prompt
How does the historical oppression you researched mirror the themes of government control and resistance found in Persepolis? Write a reflective paragraph (4–5 sentences) that identifies specific similarities between your chosen event and Marji's experiences.
Themes to Consider
State-sponsored propaganda
Removal of personal freedoms
Fear and constant surveillance
Small acts of rebellion/resistance
Success Criteria
Clear 4-5 sentence structure
Mentions a specific detail from research
Mentions a specific detail from Persepolis
Your Connection Paragraph
"The mirror of history shows us that we are never truly alone in the struggle for freedom."
Resistance Scoring Rubric Project Rubric
Voices of Resistance Evaluation
Student:
Category Mastery (4) Proficient (3) Emerging (2-1) Historical Understanding
Accuracy and research depth (W.2)
| History is accurate, detailed, and clearly explained in captions. | History is accurate and basic facts are present. | Historical facts are missing, unclear, or inaccurate. |
|
Visual Storytelling
Panel composition and emotion
| Panels use strong expressions and symbolism to show emotion/control. | Panels clearly show the sequence of events and basic emotions. | Visuals are confusing or do not convey the intended story. |
|
Persepolis Connection
Thematic synthesis (RL.9)
| Deep connection made between research and Marji’s specific experiences. | Connection is clear but lacks specific textual details from Persepolis. | Connection is vague, missing, or purely superficial. |
|
Organization & Effort
Clarity and completion
| Project is complete, polished, and presented with high confidence. | Project is complete and follows a clear beginning-middle-end. | Project is unfinished or lacks a clear narrative flow. |
Feedback & Observations
Total Score
/ 16
Voices of Resistance • Final Assessment Tool