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Introduction to Science Fiction: Kurt Vonnegut Science Fiction Analysis Writing

Completed by 3 learners
Ages 13-18
Self-Paced Course
In this self paced course learners will read, analyze, and interpret the literary elements used by Kurt Vonnegut to develop 3 of his most famous science fiction short stories. Learners will receive annotated copies of each text.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(247 reviews)

10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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What's included

10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
2-4 hours per week. -Learners will be provided with an interactive copy of the text to read. In order to properly analyze a text learners must read through at least 4 times. -The interactive class study guide allows learners to find example of literary elements in the text and check work with teacher videos. -Learners will write a unique thesis idea for 10 different literary theories. This is a practice exercise where learners can plan out possible ideas for an essay given a specific framework or 'literary lens'. -Learners will draft, revise, and finalize a literary analysis essay.
Letter Grade
1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Hello, and thank you for your interest in my class! Kurt Vonnegut is most famous for his novel, 'Slaughterhouse-Five', which follows a former POW's journey towards healing. While that novel is not yet in the public domain, his thought-provoking dystopian short stories are! I provide learners with annotated copies of each of his public domain texts: "Harrison Bergeron", "The Big Trip Up Yonder", and "2BR02B". These annotated texts offer learners defined vocabulary terms within the text to facilitate the learning of new words and historical information to better understand the context and setting of the stories. Additionally, I include nonfiction articles and literary journals for learners to explore after they have finished reading the fiction stories. My goal is to inspire learners to gain confidence in citing credible sources to support their unique thesis statements, which they create after exploring various theories.

These short stories, written by Kurt Vonnegut, were first published in science fiction magazines in the 1950s and 60s, and later in various collections of short stories. The stories are all set in the post-World War II era, during the Cold War. The lessons and video content are designed with guided practice to allow learners to view supplementary video and nonfiction article content. This approach is particularly meaningful for learners in upper-level high school classes, as it helps them find credible sources (primary, media literacy) to support their literary analysis.

Each lesson video provides learners with an opportunity to check their written responses, and I always emphasize that their answers are not expected to match mine because literature can be interpreted in many ways. In several lessons, I model the brainstorming process of writing to encourage learners that it is a process that can take time. I strive to be creative in engaging learners to gain a deeper insight into a story's historical, political, and cultural background. To this end, I provide learners with various articles and videos related to the story's themes.

All of my self-paced literary analysis courses provide learners with:
An Active Reading Packet consisting of the required text to pair with learner videos. The packet includes in-reading vocabulary definitions, images to assist in setting visualization, and Common Core-aligned questions to guide thinking towards choosing a thesis later in the course.
An Interactive Literary Element Study Guide, shared as a Google document for feedback that includes:
An author study lesson
A pre-reading theme development lesson
Defines basic and abstract literary elements in a cohesive order with examples
Writing activities to get learners comfortable using literary terminology in writing
Instructions for a literary analysis essay with a guided outline
The Ultimate Literary Theory Analysis Guide Manual, with defined theories/criticisms and tips for crafting the perfect essay

By the end of this course, learners will have a thorough understanding of Kurt Vonnegut's dystopian short stories and the skills to analyze them critically. They will also have gained confidence in their ability to find and cite credible sources to support their unique interpretations of literature.

Learning Goals

Read and annotate "Harrison Bergeron" in order to identify literary elements and write a 3 paragraph text only literary analysis essay.
Read and annotate "The Big Trip Up Yonder" in order to identify literary elements and write a comparative literary analysis.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
3 Units
10 Lessons
over 10 Weeks
Unit 1: The Life and Times of Kurt Vonnegut
Lesson 1:
About the Author
 Students will research Kurt Vonnegut's life by exploring articles and interviews in order to write a well developed paragraph discussing events that could have influenced Vonnegut's writing. 
Lesson 2:
Reading and Annotating "Harrison Bergeron"
 Learners will begin with reading their first story by Kurt Vonnegut. Learners will answer 3 comprehension analysis questions. 
Lesson 3:
"Harrison Bergeron"
 Learners will identify and analyze the literary elements and devices used by Kurt Vonnegut in "Harrison Bergeron". 
Unit 2: Literary Element Study Guide
Lesson 4:
"The Big Trip Up Yonder"
 Learners will read and annotate the prequel to "2BR02B" in order to identify and explain literary elements used to develop a central idea. Learners will connect the text to a nonfiction article. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
I received my Master's Degree in Students with Disabilities and I hold a New York state teaching certification in Special Education. I provide learners with annotated copies of the texts with defined vocabulary and social/historical terms.
Parental Guidance
"2 B R 0 2 B" is a short story by Kurt Vonnegut that explores the idea of population control and the virtue of dying in a world where death is not a punishment. The story is set in a future society where aging has been cured and people have indefinite lifespans. The government uses infanticide and government-assisted suicide to limit the population to 40 million, resulting in rare births and mostly accidental deaths. Vonnegut draws comparisons to the German gas chambers of WW2. There is also a brief passage with 2 homicides carried out with a revolver. "Harrison Bergeron" explores themes surrounding disabilities and government control. A character is executed in this story as well.
Supply List
Learners are provided with: 
-Active Reading Packet consisting of the required text to pair with learner videos. The packet provides learners with vocabulary definitions, images to assist in setting visualization, and unique questions to guide thinking towards choosing a thesis later in the course. Teacher will keep study guides up to date with supplementary materials for learners.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Annotated copies of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s short stories "Harrison Bergeron", "The Big Trip Up Yonder" and "2BR02B". Learners will receive Wikipedia articles on the author and historical information referenced in the texts.

Offered by

4.9
247reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Nicole Hess
New York Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Nicole Hess
Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University
Nicole Hess
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from State University of New York at Oswego
Nicole Hess
I hold two New York state teaching certifications in English Language Arts and Students with Disabilities. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Special Education. I have over ten years experience teaching literature to young people, both remotely and in the public school system. 

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