This unit plan explores Trevor Noah's memoir, Born a Crime, delving into its themes of identity, race, and resilience in the context of apartheid South Africa. The plan is designed for a high school English classroom and incorporates various teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles.
Unit Overview
Time Allotment: 4-5 weeks (adjustable based on class schedule and student needs)
Essential Questions:
- How does one's identity shape their experiences and perspectives?
- How does the legacy of apartheid continue to impact South Africa and its people?
- What role does humor play in coping with adversity?
- How can storytelling be a powerful tool for social change?
- What are the complexities of race and identity in a post-apartheid world?
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to:
- Analyze the narrative structure and literary techniques used in Born a Crime.
- Identify and interpret key themes within the memoir.
- Critically evaluate the impact of apartheid on individuals and society.
- Understand the complexities of race and identity in South Africa.
- Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills through discussions, essays, and presentations.
Unit Activities & Assessments
Week 1: Introduction to Apartheid and South Africa
- Activity: Begin with a brief overview of the history of apartheid in South Africa. Use videos, articles, and primary source documents to provide context for the memoir. Class discussion focusing on the impact of apartheid on various social groups.
- Assessment: Short written reflection on initial understanding of apartheid and its lasting consequences.
Week 2 & 3: Reading and Analyzing Born a Crime
- Activity: Divide the book into manageable sections for reading assignments. Incorporate daily or weekly reading quizzes to gauge comprehension. Small group discussions focusing on specific chapters or themes.
- Assessment: Reading quizzes, participation in group discussions, and a short essay focusing on a specific theme from the first half of the book.
Week 4: Analyzing Literary Techniques and Themes
- Activity: In-class analysis of specific passages, focusing on Noah's use of humor, satire, and storytelling techniques. Students will identify and analyze key themes such as identity, race, class, and family. Consider using graphic organizers or mind maps to illustrate these themes.
- Assessment: A more extensive essay focusing on the use of literary devices and their impact on the book's themes. This essay should delve into a deeper analysis of the text.
Week 5: Connecting to the Present and Culminating Project
- Activity: Discuss the relevance of Born a Crime to contemporary issues of race, identity, and social justice. Students will choose a culminating project to showcase their understanding of the book and its themes. Options may include:
- Presentation: A presentation on a specific aspect of the book or a related social issue.
- Creative Writing: A short story, poem, or play inspired by the book.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper exploring a specific theme or aspect of apartheid's legacy.
- Assessment: The culminating project will be the final assessment for the unit. Rubrics will be provided to clearly outline expectations for each project type.
Differentiation and Support
- Differentiation: Provide varied reading materials and activities to accommodate different learning styles and reading levels. Offer alternative assessment options for students who struggle with traditional writing assignments.
- Support: Provide extra support for struggling students through one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, and access to relevant resources.
This unit plan provides a flexible framework for teaching Born a Crime. Remember to adapt and adjust the activities and assessments to suit the specific needs and interests of your students. The focus should remain on fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and social justice.
