Cultural Studies Unit Plan

This Unit Plan is based around the text Target by Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson. The book focuses on the societal themes of rape, sexual awareness, and survivorism. While it may seem harsh to encourage students to talk and read about such a gruesome subject, I believe it is helping them to be more aware of what is going on in their world. Because of the powerful themes and strong language used in the text, I recommend it be taught at an 11-12 grade lever. However, it could easily be used within a 10th grade classroom as well. This unit is focused on implementing the study of this text into an 11th grade Literature/English Class. Due to seriousness of this topic, I will first present the unit to students before we begin reading. I want them to understand that while we talk about this text, we need to be respectful of one another and understand how the topic affects them as students. Presenting students with data and information on the subject of rape will help them to understand that it is something that happens, not just to girls but boys too. Many underlying emotions can come with this topic, and I advise talking to a school counselor or outside resource/group to have proper support should students need it. Along with reading the text, I will have students delve deeper into the meaning of it and look at the societal issues at hand. How has Grady progressed to being a survivor, not a victim? What do those words mean? Should we really classify them as victims? I plan to utilize local facilities such as the YWCA, Rape Awareness Groups, etc. to bring in speakers to talk to the students about this subject. I would personally like to bring in someone who has experienced sexual assault and have them talk to students about how they have overcome it. Also in this unit we will be talking about sexual awareness. In the text, Grady questions his sexuality after being raped. This is something to discuss with students because they may be facing the same challenges. They need to be aware that these are issues that they are facing, and things that are occurring in their world. I want to give students the chance to study something that is important and affecting them. Along with reading this text, I will offer them the chance to watch the movie Kite Runner, which features similar overtones of rape. Offering students outside resources is important to fueling discussion. I will provide them with useful information on groups that deal with Rape Awareness and sexuality issues. If there is a group in the school that focuses on issues of rape or a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) in the school, I will encourage students to attend the group or bring the group to them. Likewise, there will be a section of recommended reading that deals with similar themes to those in Target. List of recommended Texts: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez Doing It  by Melvin Burgess