Unit Plan: Refining The Basics

Since last week, I have changed part of my scope and refined my unit. I am still struggling in some areas and hope that by mapping out my unit I will be able to narrow my focus. That is why Sam and I decided our goal was to create an outline/unit map (unlike the one I turned in last week which was meant more-so as a tool to help me transition ideas and texts- a very rough sketch of my vision for my unit). So far I have divided my unit into 11 essential parts. Each part delves further into the power structures in our society. 

Despite having axed parts of my unit (my beloved graphic novel literature circle activity), I still feel as though I need to cut back . However, it is difficult because I have grown so attached to my ideas; Alex said it perfectly when she stated, “All my ideas have become my little babies. “ I have all these ideas and texts I want to include in my unit, but sadly there isn't enough time. I believe that my unit still needs to be condensed and perhaps elements of it should be removed, I am just not sure which parts need to go. As I map out my unit and start planning for assessment and activities I feel that I will be able to determine the areas of least importance. 

1.)    Define Power

2.)    Discover the types of power

3.)    Identifying those who have power and  those without power (qualities)

Texts: The Tempest

4.)    Examine Historical Power Struggles:

Texts: Benito Cereno (whole class)

Research a Historical event and analyze the power struggles (genocide, rebellion etc)

5.)    Explore the relationship between power and violence

Texts: Lord of the Flies (flim)

Freud’s “Model of the Mind” (non-fiction)

6.)    Determine how power functions in different governments

Texts: Animal Farm (Fiction), Kill all the Animals (poem)

Research different types of government

7.)    Examine powerful leaders

Texts: excerpt from Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler

http://relevantrhetoric.com/wp-content/uploads/Hitler-and-Charisma.pdf

“I have  Dream” speech by Martin Luther King jr.

http://www.archives.gov/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRIF4_WzU1w

8.)    Analyze Propaganda and Discuss the Power of Language

Research different types of propaganda                           

9.)    Examine Power and Obedience

Texts: Stanley Milgram Experiment (clip)

10.) Determine what power the individual holds

Texts:  Malala (clip)

Research inspiring and powerful individuals: Malala, Rosa Parks, Ghandi,

11.) Power and Personal Responsibility: Standing Up to Injustice and Cruelty

Texts: Bystander Effect (clip) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4S1LLrSzVE

YA NOVEL:

Ideas for Culminating Project: 

 For the final project I am thinking of having the students turn in either a portfolio of their work over the unit or create a multi-genre project. Some of the items I would like to include in my culminating project are: 

-Letter to reader (of portfolio)

-Character analyses on characters from the Tempest

- Research on a historical event that analyzes power struggles (genocide, rebellion etc)

- Research on a type of government

- Research on a type of propaganda 

• perform a rhetorical analysis of a piece of propaganda
• Create their own piece of propaganda

- Write a speech to persuade

-Research inspiring and powerful individuals: Malala, Rosa Parks, Ghandi,

-Write an essay about the roles and responsibilities of individuals in a society

End notes: I need a YA novel that I can incorporate in the last segment of my unit, "Power and Personal Responsibility: Standing Up to Injustice and Cruelty." Also, I need another poem from poetry 180 to complete my lineup. 

This week I will also be finalizing my annotated bibliography (now that I have a firm idea of my theme/concept of my unit) as well as the literature reviews. 

Hope all is going well with your units!

~Estela