Decades of Literature: Nigerian History and Politics (1960'S - 1970'S)

This is a flex schedule course and does not have weekly meetings.  Although there aren’t live classes, students will have the opportunity for teacher support. Students will receive and be responsible for watching prerecorded videos, reviewing handouts, and completing activities and assignments. Email is an alternative option to receive responses in a timely manner.  This course is similar to a live class,  but is an alternative means for learners who cannot participate in the scheduled live classes due to scheduling conflicts, comfort level or unfamiliarity with the live version of the class. 

The selection of short stories in this class are designed to encourage students to develop reading skills through comprehension of events and to integrate History and Language Arts. To ensure this is taking place, there will be posts on the classroom page to keep communication open. Students will be expected to engage with the teacher and classmates through guided discussions. Ongoing feedback for learners and responses to questions or concerns will also ensure there is active communication between teacher and students. The environment will have the feel of a live class, but allowing for flexibility while having interaction with peers and the teacher. This course will also offer a sense of community so we can each learn from each other's observations, thinking, and experiences.

Students will:
-understand and review biographical information about a variety of authors and the time period they lived
-identify the emotions revealed in work
-read short stories and be able to summarize basic elements (plot, characters, setting, perspective)
-define the meaning of words in the story
-comprehend the story's events through critical thinking questions
-share ideas and participate in classroom discussions or debates

This class will consist of optional online meetings, guided discussion board questions, interactive games (ex. Quizizz, Kahoot, Nearpod, etc), practice worksheets and other materials, notes, and assessments to show learning.

The tentative schedule for this course is:
Week 1: Historical events that were taking place between the 1960's - 1970's along with two short stories written during the 2000's.  

These two stories are based on Nigerian history and politics, showing how the breakdown of authority and civilian laws in society caused struggles in family structures. A sense of lawlessness took hold as many of the younger Nigerians joined subversive cults. Cult wars became common throughout the world during the late 1900's.

Week 2 and 3: Cell One (2007) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In this short story, Adichie focuses on the wayward, rebellious son and his experiences with the corrupt political system. She also criticizes the “professor parents” who have condoned the irresponsible behavior of their offspring.

Week 3 and 4: Tomorrow Is Too Far (2009) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  
This story is about a young woman who reveals the devastating secret of her brother's death.

Although meetings are available to assist students, students should try to complete most work independently.  They should be self- disciplined and motivated.  Students will be expected to watch videos, complete homework, complete quizzes, and ask/answer questions that are posted in the classroom.