Living Through Words: Literature's Perspective on Life
This course explores the intersection of literature and life through the novel adapted from the Broadway Musical Dear Evan Hansen. This will be done by examining its contents, particularly mental health, relationships and identity.
What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. 3-6 throughout the classAssessment
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
This course explores the intersection of literature and life through the musical Dear Evan Hansen. By examining its themes, characters, and storytelling, students will analyze how literature reflects, shapes, and critiques the human experience, particularly mental health, relationships, identity, and social media.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to identify the thematic and cultural significance of Dear Evan Hansen as a contemporary literary work.Students will be able to analyze how the narrative reflects societal issues, particularly mental health and interpersonal connections.
Syllabus
1 Unit
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksUnit 1: Dear Evan Hansen
Lesson 1:
Introduction
Overview of the course and syllabus
Introduction to Dear Evan Hansen as a literary and cultural text
Discussion: How does literature reflect life? Lesson 2:
The Story and Its Themes
Read: Dear Evan Hansen
Analyze the narrative structure and central conflicts
Discussion: Themes of loneliness and mental health Lesson 3:
Identity and Belonging
Read: Dear Evan Hansen
Discuss Evan’s character arc and his search for identity
Reflective writing: How do we construct identity through relationships? Lesson 4:
Mental Health and Social Media
Finish Reading Dear Evan Hansen
Explore the portrayal of mental health challenges in the digital age
Group discussion: The role of social media in shaping relationships and self image. Other Details
Parental Guidance
Substance abuse: The reading shows characters taking pills for anxiety and depression, and one character uses drugs before dying.
Sexual content: The reading contains sexual references, including song lyrics about "getting hard" and "boning". There is also a locker room scene with shirtless boys, and Evan and Zoe kiss.
Coarse language: The reading includes some strong language, including one "f--kin'" and a few uses of "s--t".
Mental health: The reading deals with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Supply List
Computer with strong internet access.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$13
weekly8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 15-18
