Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the themes and structures of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, specifically focusing on the concept of medieval guilds and their relevance in both the fictional universe and the historical Middle Ages. The student will also engage in creative thinking by designing their own guild and exploring its functions within a society.

Materials and Prep

• Pencil and paper for note-taking and drawing.
• A copy of "The Science of Discworld" (if available) or summaries online.
• Access to the internet for research (optional).
• Creative mindset for brainstorming ideas for a new guild.

Activities

• Guild Research:

  The student will research different types of medieval guilds, such as merchants, craftsmen, and apprentices. They can create a chart comparing the roles and responsibilities of each guild, drawing parallels to those found in Discworld.

• Create Your Own Guild:

  The student will design a unique guild that could exist in the Discworld universe. They will outline its purpose, members, and how it contributes to society, incorporating humor and fantastical elements typical of Pratchett's writing.

• Discussion on Guilds in Discworld:

  Engage in a discussion about how Pratchett portrays guilds in his works. The student can share their thoughts on how these guilds reflect real-life historical guilds and what makes them humorous or absurd in the context of Discworld.

Talking Points

• "Terry Pratchett uses guilds to satirize real-world organizations, showing both their importance and their absurdities." - Discuss how guilds in Discworld mirror real-life guilds and what they reveal about society.
• "In the Middle Ages, guilds were crucial for regulating trade and ensuring quality. How do you think this compares to the guilds in Discworld?" - Encourage the student to think critically about the role of guilds in both settings.
• "Consider the humor in Pratchett's writing. How does he use guilds to create comedic situations?" - Highlight the importance of humor in understanding Discworld's themes.
• "What would your guild be like? What unique functions or quirks would it have?" - Foster creativity by prompting the student to envision their own guild and its place in a fantastical world.