Course Plan: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Course Introduction
Welcome to the 8th-grade English course focused on "The Outsiders," a classic novel written by S.E. Hinton. This course will explore the themes of class conflict, family loyalty, and the quest for identity as we delve into the lives of Ponyboy Curtis and his friends in 1960s America. Through reading, discussions, and assignments, students will not only enhance their understanding of the text but also develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.
Course Goals and Aims
Course Goals
- To develop students’ reading comprehension and literary analysis skills through the study of “The Outsiders.”
- To foster an appreciation for literature and its relevance to personal and social issues.
- To enhance engagement with textual evidence through writing and discussion.
Course Aims
- Analyze the characters and their development throughout the novel.
- Examine the social and historical context of the story.
- Discuss the major themes, symbols, and motifs present in the text.
- Improve critical thinking and persuasive writing skills through essays and presentations.
- Encourage empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives through discussions.
State Standards Alignment
This course aligns with the following Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1: Cite the textual evidence that strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
Lesson Breakdown
Lesson 1: Introduction to The Outsiders
- Objectives: Introduce the author and historical context of the novel, establish classroom norms, and explore students' prior knowledge of themes.
- Activities: Group discussion on preconceived notions about the characters and themes; introduction to S.E. Hinton.
Lesson 2: Characters Overview
- Objectives: Identify and analyze key characters in the novel.
- Activities: Character map creation; group presentations on assigned characters.
Lesson 3: Setting Exploration
- Objectives: Discuss the importance of setting in "The Outsiders."
- Activities: Create a visual representation of the setting; map out locations relevant to the plot.
Lesson 4: Plot Structure
- Objectives: Understand the plot elements of the novel.
- Activities: Plot diagram activity with key events; timeline creation.
Lesson 5: Themes and Motifs
- Objectives: Identify and analyze major themes.
- Activities: Small group discussions on themes such as class, identity, and friendship; theme tracker assignment.
Lesson 6: Symbols in The Outsiders
- Objectives: Examine the symbolism used in the novel.
- Activities: Symbol scavenger hunt through text; craft a symbol collage.
Lesson 7: Character Development
- Objectives: Analyze the growth of key characters.
- Activities: Character evolution essays; compare and contrast character arcs.
Lesson 8: Literary Devices
- Objectives: Identify literary devices used by S.E. Hinton.
- Activities: Guided reading focusing on figurative language; literary device analysis worksheet.
Lesson 9: Socioeconomic Influences
- Objectives: Discuss the impact of socioeconomic status on characters’ lives.
- Activities: Socioeconomic status role-play; class debate on social class and its effects.
Lesson 10: Writing Workshop
- Objectives: Develop persuasive writing skills through analysis.
- Activities: Draft, peer-review, and revise an argumentative essay on a theme; utilize textual evidence.
Lesson 11: Group Presentations
- Objectives: Present analyses of chosen topics/themes from the novel.
- Activities: Student presentations on assigned themes or character studies; feedback from classmates.
Lesson 12: Course Reflection and Final Project
- Objectives: Reflect on learning and connect to personal experiences.
- Activities: Write a reflective essay; submit final project (creative projects or presentations connecting the novel to current issues).
Conclusion
This course aims to not only inform students of the literary significance of "The Outsiders" but also provide them with tools to analyze literature critically and empathetically. By the end of this course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the text alongside skills that apply beyond the classroom setting. Let's engage, explore, and enjoy this journey through the world of S.E. Hinton!