To Kill a Mockingbird is
unquestionably one of the most widely read, best-selling, and influential books
in American literature. It has made a significant difference in the lives of
individuals and in the culture as a whole. Part of its appeal can be explained
by its sensitive and insightful portrayal of race relations in Alabama at a time
when the battle for integration and equal rights was at its height in America,
and when much of the action was centering on Alabama. Its influence has been
enduring because it allows the reader, through the lives of children, "to
walk around in the shoes" of people who are different from ourselves. The
novel challenges our stereotypes - of the Southerner, the african-American, the
eccentric, the child, the young lady.
Topics covered in the
Unit:
- The Historical Context
of the Novel
- Elements of Fiction
(Point of View, Tone, Time and place of setting, characters, images and
symbols
- Racism/Prejudicism
Student Requirements:
- Read the entire
novel
- Discuss the novel in
class
- Complete 13 Journal
writing entries
- Take five tests over
the novel
- View the movie
- Complete a writing
assignment comparing & contrasting the novel and the movie
- Write an analytical
paper on the qualities Atticus portrays in the novel or the important
messages presented in To Kill a Mockingbird
Student Learnings
- Use elements of
literature, other literature devices and personal experiences to analyze
literature
- Understand the impact
of history on the arts
- Understand and
interpret literature written from a variety of perspectives
- Respond to literature
both critically and personally
- Compare, contrast and analyze
visual and print presentation of literature
- Understand the meaning of
unfamiliar words and phrases from contextual definitions and references
- Utilize various modes of
writing including narrative, analytic,
descriptive, and expository.
- Apply the conventions of
writing grammar, punctuation, spelling, organization and word usage.
Links:
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/tkm/
www.chebucto.ns.ca/Culture/HarperLee/film.html
www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/tokil/mocktg.htm
www.teachwithmovies.org/guides/to-kill-a-mocking-bird.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/12111/
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Culture/HarperLee/