Tag Archives: Irony

2023 Vol 3: All Roads of Through Run Through Oz

The Wonderful World of Adjectives in Oz 

Elizabeth Cochrane, Multilingual Learners, East Mecklenburg High School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: In this unit, students focus on how L. Frank Baum uses adjectives in the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and how they contribute to characterizing Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. Students learn to think critically about the adjectives that Baum chooses to describe his characters and whether they can trust Baum with his descriptions, leading to a discussion on irony and its effect on the novel. Students then use the information gleaned from their characterization study to develop and analyze themes in the novel. 

2023 Vol 1: The Graphic Novel

Galactic Absurdities: A Graphic Novel Expedition through The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 

Kimberly Courtlandt, English, Merancas Middle College High School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: This curriculum unit centers on a 12-day unit designed for 12th-grade honors English students, focusing on the world of satire and employing classic literature and graphic novels as educational tools. It begins with a satire carousel activity and an exploration of political cartoons, allowing students to create their own cartoons addressing contemporary issues. These cartoons form the foundation for their final graphic narrative problem and solution project. The unit then transitions to the Restoration and 18th century, emphasizing historical and social contexts while exploring the satirical works of Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), introducing students to satirical elements in literature. The centerpiece of this exploration is Swift’s thought-provoking essay, “A Modest Proposal,” which I will use to encourage student engagement in close reading and the analysis of profound questions. As the unit progresses, students will deeply engage Douglas Adams’s graphic novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. They will explore character development, graphic narrative structure, and thematic elements while navigating the novel’s unique blend of humor and depth. Throughout the unit, students will steadily work on crafting their final ‘problem and solution’ graphic narrative projects. These projects incorporate satire, and humor to address contemporary issues in a satirical manner.