Dystopian Book Club: "The House of the Scorpion"
In this 4-week online book club, students will read and discuss the dystopic fiction novel "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer.
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Total reading time for the assigned chapters depends on each student's reading speed. Students should complete the required reading prior to each meeting. After reading, students should spend 10-15 minutes writing high-quality discussion questions for the next meeting.Class Experience
In this 4-week online book club, we will read and discuss Nancy Farmer's dystopic novel "The House of the Scorpion." Students will learn how to prepare high-level questions for Socratic discussion and take turns sharing their insights into the reading. Students will be given guidelines for discussion. If you enjoy dystopian or speculative fiction...this story will not disappoint! In this alternate future set along the US/Mexico border, a young boy wrestles to understand his place in the world and find meaning and value as a clone. From the publisher: "As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister, grasping cast of characters, including El Patron's power-hungry family. He is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards and by the mindless slaves of Opium, brain-deadened eejits who toil in the poppy fields."
Learning Goals
The course objectives are to improve literary analysis and higher-level thinking skills. Students will strengthen their ability to identify important themes and symbols within the work and create thought-provoking questions for their peers. In this flipped-classroom style, students learn to debate and disagree appropriately and increase their leadership skills.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Chapters 1-10
In our first meeting, we will have a teacher-led discussion over the first 10 chapters of the novel. I will introduce the students to Socratic discussion and explain how to form high-quality, open-ended questions. Students will prepare their discussion questions prior to each discussion. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 11-20
Students will lead a Socratic discussion over the assigned reading with teacher guidance. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 21-29
Students will lead a Socratic discussion over the assigned reading with teacher guidance. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 30-38
Students will lead a Socratic discussion over the assigned reading with teacher guidance. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
"The House of The Scorpion" discusses cloning and brings up ethical questions of science. The setting takes place on a poppy plantation and there are references to the distribution of opium. The drug is referenced as a commodity that provides El Patron with his power and wealth. There are references to adults drinking, but no minors. There is some violence and threats to the protagonist's safety. A girl's dog is poisoned. There is a mass casualty scene, but explicit descriptions are not provided.
Supply List
The House of the Scorpion ISBN 978-1665918589 $12 on Amazon.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Texas State University
I have a Bachelor of English Literature. I have worked as a classical English teacher; before that, I led book discussions as a homeschool mom. I also host adult book club discussions.
I completed curriculum and instruction college coursework at Texas State University including "Adolescents and Society" and "Secondary Teaching: Curriculum and Technology." In these courses, I learned how to teach and present lessons objectively. The courses focused on diversity and inclusion and the effects of learning environments on the developing identities of students. All literature includes cultural and/or religious elements. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to present all literature in an unbiased way.
As a multi-racial ethnic minority, I grew up exposed to many different cultures. In addition, my interracial family also included my younger brother with Down Syndrome. As someone who experienced a unique upbringing, I'm sensitive to the unique lived experiences of others.Reviews
Live Group Class
$11
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
3-10 learners per class
