Jennifer Aldridge, English, North Mecklenburg High School
Final Unit (PDF) Implementing Common Core Standards (PDF)
200 Word Synopsis
A major issue in American Literature and History is immigration and the ways in which literature and society respond to the needs and voices of the many immigrants. The unit is an AP level unit combining drama, essays, poetry and video designed to analyze immigration in 20th and 21st century America through focus on African-American immigration from southern farms to northern cities and Latino immigration from Mexico/Central America and the Caribbean to cities such as New York. Culminating projects include persuasive writing on the topic of immigration reform and creative projects exploring music, culture and personal narrative. Students will reach an authentic audience through posting their projects on the internet and make their learning personal through the consideration of the ways in which each student is connected to his or her immigrant past—or present.
Home