Unit 1: Ourselves and Others

Objectives

​Students will read, annotate, and discuss complex literary and informational texts (specifically focusing on character motivation, character development, tone, and theme), before synthesizing their analyses of the texts in order to create an informational essay, so that they can explore how we interact with other people – family, enemies, neighbors, strangers, and those with whom we disagree. Students will be successful if they score at least a 3 on the essay rubric and at least 80% on the unit exam.

Essential Questions

1. What do we owe each other?
2. Why is it important to build communities that are supportive and accepting of all?
3. How do past experiences impact people's points of view?
4. How does word choice affect meaning and tone?

Texts

from “Texas v Johnson Majority Opinion” by William J. Brennan (Court Opinion - 1420L)
“American Flag Stands for Tolerance” by Ronald J. Allen (Editorial - (1170L)
“What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?” by Etgar Keret (Short Story - 900L)
“The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin (Short Story - 880L)
“Without Title” by Diane Glancy (Poem - N/A)

End of Unit Assessments

Informational Essay Due 9/19: Why is it important to build communities that are supportive and accepting of all?  After critically reading the texts in this collection, including the anchor text, write an essay in which you synthesize the lessons learned from how several writers or characters explored the importance of accepting people who are different.  Be sure to use specific textual evidence from several sources studied in this unit to justify your response.

Unit Exam 9/25 - Interim Benchmark 1