African Literature Through Ibo Eyes- #10

Lesson Details Subjects: Literature, English/Languages Arts Learning Level: High School Author(s): Suzanne Fabbi – Advanced Technologies Academy H.S., Las Vegas, NV Submitted by:

Abstract In this unit, students will demonstrate their understanding of an aspect of the novel as well as their proficiency at proving a thesis with support from the novel by writing a multiparagraph essay. Lesson fundamental understandings: Essential Questions: Students will have an in-depth understanding of at least one aspect of the novel as they prove a thesis, and they will understand the value of peer response and revision in writing a formal essay. Standards National Standards National Standard(s): Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles. Technology Standard(s): 3a) Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. 3b) Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works. 5b) Students use technology tools to process data and report results. Information Literacy Standard(s): Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, & 9 State Standards State Standard(s): Students read to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate literature from a variety of authors, cultures, and times. CCSD Local Standards: 5.3 - The student will analyze cultural aspects evident in African writing. 5.4 – The student will interpret the psychological motivations of characters in African literature. 5.5 – The student will assess the ethics and values portrayed in African literature. Lesson Prerequisite Skills Writing multiparagraph essays, using support from the text, participating in peer response activities Teacher Information/Situations/Setting/Time Time Frame: 3 days (40-minute days) Materials/resources: Novel, Essay topics, Grading rubric for teacher Grading Rubric: Essay #1 – Umuofia begins to fall apart when the village kills the white man, when the missionaries come, when the osu or outcasts are accepted by the Christians, when the missionaries don’t die in the Evil Forest, when Okonkwo and his tribesmen burn the church, and ultimately, when Okonkwo kills a member of the kotma and hangs himself. Essay #2 – Okonkwo is not the typical Ibo. He has not inherited what most young men inherit from their fathers, yet he is titled, a member of the egwugwu, and a leader of the tribe. Physically, he is a huge, muscular man, who has shown great prowess in wrestling. He has taken five heads. He kills his own stepson for fear of appearing weak. He starts over in his motherland and finds success once again. He vows to destroy the white man, even if he has to do it alone. He cannot adapt to the new way of life after Colonialism and Christianity take over. Essay #3 – Women are beaten; their twin babies are taken away and put in the Evil Forest to die; their children are property of their husbands. The first wife wears the anklet of her titled husband. She is superior to the other wives. Essay #4 – Obierika had a better father and upbringing. He is secure in himself. He does not fear appearing weak. He is a more thoughtful and loving man. Essay #5 – All groups of humans, no matter the culture, have their ethics, values, and traditions which unite them and strengthen them. Celebrations are universal. Mothers, by nature, are nurturing and would sacrifice their own lives for their children. It would be hard to have someone come into my home and tell me what to do. I would not like to be told that I am not worshipping correctly and that my God does not exist. Pre-lesson Preparation: Copies of essay topics, review of grading rubric by teacher Assessment Depth of understanding in addressing essay topics, comments on peer response sheets Student Activity/Tasks 1) Writing of rough drafts 2) Peer response 3) Revision 4) Final drafts Enrichment/Alternate Activity: Cross-Curricular: Technology Requirements/Tools/Materials Computers for word processing Acknowledgements: Additional Resources Main URL: Related Lessons Related Resources Things Fall Apart Essay Topics Copyright © 1997-2003 Career Connection to Teaching with Technology USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Marshall Ransom, Project Manager All rights reserved.