Title: Exploring Contemporary Social Issues through Literature

Grade Level: 12th Grade

Subject: English Language Arts

Duration: 4 weeks (20 instructional days)

Objectives: 1. Analyze and interpret various literary texts to understand and discuss contemporary social issues. 2. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through close reading and textual analysis. 3. Enhance written and oral communication skills through class discussions, presentations, and written assignments. 4. Foster empathy and understanding towards diverse perspectives and experiences. 5. Apply knowledge gained from literature to real-world situations and engage in meaningful discussions.

Materials: 1. A selection of contemporary literary texts that address social issues (e.g., “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini). 2. Supplementary articles, essays, and videos related to the chosen texts. 3. Writing materials, including notebooks, pens, and laptops. 4. Audiovisual equipment for multimedia presentations.

Procedure:

Week 1: Introduction to Contemporary Social Issues Day 1: - Engage students in a class discussion about the importance of literature in addressing social issues. - Introduce the selected literary texts and their relevance to contemporary society. - Assign students to read the first few chapters of the first chosen text.

Day 2: - Conduct a close reading activity of the assigned chapters, focusing on character development and themes related to social issues. - Facilitate a class discussion on the initial impressions and observations from the text.

Week 2: Analyzing Social Issues in Literature Day 3: - Assign students to read additional chapters of the first chosen text. - Introduce the concept of symbolism and its role in conveying social issues. - Analyze specific symbols in the text and their deeper meanings.

Day 4: - Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific social issue addressed in the text. - Instruct students to research and prepare a presentation on the historical and contemporary context of the chosen issue.

Week 3: Empathy and Understanding Day 5: - Conduct a Socratic seminar on the first chosen text, focusing on the social issues explored. - Encourage students to share their perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.

Day 6: - Introduce the second chosen text and assign students to read the first few chapters. - Discuss the similarities and differences between the social issues addressed in the first and second texts.

Week 4: Applying Knowledge and Reflection Day 7: - Analyze the character development and narrative techniques in the second chosen text. - Discuss the impact of the chosen social issues on the characters’ lives.

Day 8: - Assign students to write a reflective essay comparing and contrasting the social issues addressed in the two chosen texts. - Encourage students to draw connections between the literature and real-world situations.

Day 9: - Conduct a gallery walk where students display their essays and engage in peer feedback and discussion.

Day 10: - Conclude the unit with a final class discussion on the importance of literature in addressing contemporary social issues. - Encourage students to reflect on their personal growth and understanding throughout the unit.

Assessment: 1. Class participation and engagement in discussions (formative assessment). 2. Close reading and analysis activities (formative assessment). 3. Group presentations on social issues (formative assessment). 4. Reflective essay comparing and contrasting social issues (summative assessment). 5. Peer feedback and discussion during the gallery walk (formative assessment).