This unit plan provides a detailed framework for teaching Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun in a high school setting. It incorporates various teaching strategies to engage students and foster a deep understanding of the play's themes, characters, and historical context. This plan emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, and creative expression.
Unit Overview:
Course: High School English Language Arts
Time Allotment: 3-4 weeks (adjust as needed)
Essential Questions:
- How do dreams and aspirations shape individual identity and family relationships?
- How does social and economic inequality impact individuals and communities?
- What role does race and gender play in shaping opportunities and experiences?
- How do individuals navigate conflict and find meaning in the face of adversity?
- How does Hansberry's play reflect the realities of the African American experience in the 1950s and its continuing relevance today?
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyze the play's major themes and conflicts.
- Understand the historical context of the play and its significance.
- Interpret character motivations and relationships.
- Evaluate the use of literary devices such as symbolism, dialogue, and dramatic irony.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through close reading and discussion.
- Express their understanding through various creative writing assignments.
Unit Activities:
Week 1: Introduction & Historical Context
- Day 1-2: Introduce Lorraine Hansberry and the historical context of the play (The Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement, housing segregation). Students can research and present on key historical figures and events. Discussions should focus on how these factors influence the characters' lives and choices. Consider incorporating primary source documents like photographs and newspaper articles from the era.
- Day 3-4: Begin reading A Raisin in the Sun. Focus on Act I, exploring the setting, characters, and initial conflicts. Small group discussions can analyze character introductions and relationships. Consider using annotation strategies to highlight key passages and themes.
Week 2: Character Analysis & Theme Development
- Day 5-6: Continue reading Act I and into Act II, focusing on character development. Students can create character maps, analyzing individual motivations, dreams, and challenges. Class discussions should delve into the complex relationships between family members and their conflicting desires.
- Day 7-8: Analyze major themes emerging in the play, including the American Dream, racial prejudice, gender roles, family dynamics, and the importance of hope. Students can work in groups to create presentations or posters illustrating these themes through textual evidence.
Week 3: Literary Analysis & Symbolism
- Day 9-10: Close reading of specific scenes focusing on literary devices such as symbolism (e.g., the plant, the money, the apartment). Students can engage in debates about the interpretation of specific symbols. Consider incorporating visual aids such as images or illustrations to enhance understanding.
- Day 11-12: Analyze the use of dialogue and dramatic irony in the play. Students can practice identifying examples and discussing their impact on the narrative. Small group activities can focus on analyzing key dialogues between characters.
Week 4: Assessment & Creative Expression
- Day 13-14: Review the play's major themes and characters. Students can prepare for an assessment, such as an essay or test, focusing on comprehension and analysis.
- Day 15-16: Creative writing assignment: Students can choose from various options, such as writing a scene from a different character's perspective, creating a modern adaptation of the play, or writing an essay exploring a chosen theme in more depth.
Assessment:
- Formative Assessments: Class discussions, participation in group activities, in-class writing assignments.
- Summative Assessment: Essay focusing on a major theme or character analysis, or a creative writing project.
Differentiation:
- For advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis of complex themes and literary devices. Assign research projects on related topics, such as the history of the Black Arts Movement or the legacy of Lorraine Hansberry.
- For struggling learners: Provide graphic organizers, vocabulary support, and one-on-one assistance. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Offer alternative assessment options.
This unit plan offers a flexible framework for teaching A Raisin in the Sun. Teachers can adjust the pacing and activities to meet the specific needs and interests of their students. Remember to foster a supportive and engaging classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and engaging in critical discussions.
