Cultural Studies Unit Plan

This unit plan should focus on one specific literary work (novel, play, several short stories, collection of poems, or other genre) appropriate to secondary teaching. The unit plan should demonstrate your understanding of a cultural studies approach to curriculum. It should incorporate reader response and draw, in some way, on the internet.

Identify the anticipated grade level and course in which you would teach this unit.

Your unit plan needs to include:

1) A description of the cultural studies approach you plan to take to the literary work you have chosen and why it is appropriate.

• What is the theme or issue that will be central to the reading and study of this work?
• How does this issue connect to the lives of your students and/or important issues in the world?
• What additional pieces can you draw in to help develop student understanding of the theme? (Might include other literary works, film, non-fiction materials, images, websites, speakers, etc.)
• How can students examine different perspectives on the topic?
• How does/might the topic engage controversy? What can you do to "create freedom" to address this topic with secondary students?
• How does the unit lead to students taking action to address the issue?
• What are your goals for student learning?

2) A description of how your unit will set high expectations and improve the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills of your students. Consider also how you will address a diversity of reading abilities in your class.

3)An overview or "syllabus" of the sequence of lessons and activities that will comprise your unit.

4) Developed ideas for several specific lessons / activities that address unit goals.

5) A description of a final paper or project or cumulative activity that students will develop and an explanation of this activity addresses the learning goals you established.

6) Reference relevant State of Michigan Content Standards.

Here is an sample unit plan you can study created by Chris Kato in Spring 2008.

Created by: allen.webb@wmich.edu
Revised Date: 3/10