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~Semester Two~
How do we define who we are?
Theme 1: Individual, Family and Society (4 Weeks)
Essential Question: How are people transformed through their relationships with others?
Relationships have a way of defining us as people. During this unit, we will read various genres of world literature to examine the ways in which our relationships with others reflect our personal values, and ultimately, define and transform us as individuals.
Materials and Resources: Short stories by various writers, including Don Lee, Jhumpa Lahira, Edwidge Danticat, Juno Diaz, Jamacia Kincaid, and V.S. Naipaul, selected poems, musical and spoken word selections
Theme 2: Loss of Innocence (6 Weeks)
Essential Question: In the face of adversity, what causes some people to prevail while others fail?
Everyone wants to prevail in the face of adversity, but not everyone does. During this unit, we will read two novels and watch clips from two films to make inferences about why some individuals prevail over adversity while others fail.
Materials and Resources: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Sold (a novel in verse) by Patricia McCormick, the films Slumdog Millionaire and The Kite Runner, supplemental nonfiction texts
Theme 3: Tolerance/Intolerance (3 Weeks)
Essential Question: Is it ever necessary to challenge the status quo?
It is sometimes necessary to take action to change the things around us. During this unit, students will select an independent reading book from a list created by the teacher. In literature circle groups, students will discuss when it is necessary to challenge the status quo, the risks involved and what it takes to do so.
Materials and Resources: Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, NPR clips and other supplemental nonfiction texts.
Theme 4: Abuse of Power (3 Weeks)
Essential Question: What is our individual responsibility when faced with abuse of power?
During this unit, students will be called upon to identify and think critically about the abuse of power not only in Animal Farm, but also in history and in society today. They will examine ways in which individuals recognize and react to corrupt authority, and examine their own feelings about social responsibility. Students will weigh the rewards and consequences of standing up for what they believe in, or what is morally right, at a time in their own lives when they are often faced with moral conflicts.
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