Abstract:
The lesson plan which follows has been designed for a 12th grade academic English general elective class. It explores several contemporary novels and short stories, focusing primarily upon the postmodern literature of recent years. Many different instructional and evaluative techniques are described by which the teacher will monitor the progress of students throughout the year. The materials included become progressively more difficult and complex as the weeks unfold, carefully leading the students to an understanding of the unique techniques employed by contemporary authors as they seek to create meaning and comment upon postmodern reality. Individual growth throughout the first semester culminates in a term paper, allowing the students to showcase their burgeoning knowledge and creativity, while cooperative group work throughout the entire year is capped by a challenging final project, forcing the students to test their limits and push themselves harder than ever before. This is a very advanced lesson plan designed for mature and responsible college-bound seniors. It will require a great deal of effort on the part of both teacher and students, but will likely pay high dividends in the depth and quality of learning that takes place.
