Proposed Thematic Literature Unit
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This paper proposes the use of a modern fantasy thematic literature unit in which high school students read, discuss and study several books and short stories of imaginative fiction. Although the emphasis is upon fantasy, some of the novels and short stories provided take place in futuristic or alternative world settings and context and therefore somewhat overlap with science fiction, which should help students to understand the similarities and differences in the two genres as well as the fact that in many stories, these elements are inseparable. The purpose of the paper is to provide a rationale for the unit as well as a delineation of the instructional objectives, the learning activities, and the assessment methods that will be used. The paper ends with an annotated bibliography of 25 fantasy novels, novellas and short stories that will be used in the thematic unit. Why teach a modern fantasy thematic unit to high school students? According to Wadham and Wadham (1999) modern fantasy is relevant to all students from the earliest grade levels up through high school and even college levels. For young readers, reading fantasy is said to provide basic learning tools to teach youngsters the world around them. At the older grade levels such as high school, the authors feel that modern fantasy is able to teach values and to crystalize certain modern day social issue (e.g., war, peace, ethnic conflicts, etc.) for young people in a way that has real im
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es can promote multiple intelligences, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities because of the unique insight the literature brings to various social, political, psychological, and even personal issues. The selection of books in this unit is specifically geared to help students think creatively regarding a variety of issues and so promote the listed skills. For example, the book Watership Down by Adams (1972) examines the theme of what makes a perfect society and how one might create such. Donaldson's (1986) The Mirror of Her Dreams explores issues of child abuse and its effects on the personality, while Stephen King's (1987) The Eyes of the Dragon calls for reflection on issues of leadership, loyalty and betrayal.
To a small extent, during in-class discussions of short stories and books in the unit, an attempt will be made to relate some of the stories read to various other subjects that students are learning, e.g., history, math, social sciences. According to Mitchell (1997), this integration and application of literature to the curriculum not only helps to cement for students certain facts they have learned in other subject areas, but also enhances English learning and reading comprehension.
Further, students will
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1959
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)
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