The American Dream- Stories From Immigrant Literature
This four week literary discussion class focuses on the theme and narrative of bilingualism, multi-culturalism and intergenerational struggles of immigrant families in the United States today.
Shaheen Rasheed, MS Ed.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(635)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Weekly readings will be posted in the classroom page which must be completed before coming into class. Some readings may have a short reflective prompt to write and share as well. Memoir writing activity is encouraged with details discussed on how to conduct an interview of an immigrant and how to write a memoir.Assessment
Learner progress is based on participation discussion and ability to hold a claim with proof from readings.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
The United States is an extraordinary place making up a diverse population of immigrants who now call it home. Immigrant families have endured and thrived and the second generation has risen to write about their experiences. Today, we have the exciting opportunity to read, discuss and better understand the lives of the immigrant generation through the work of second and third generation writers who can connect with two cultures and see them- not in conflict, but in co-existence. Students in this class will be able to define the concept of narrative as a literary and cultural category, criticize as well as celebrate the immigrant or American dream narrative and observe cultural variations in the Immigrant Narrative. Schedule: Week 1: The American Dream - From Plymouth Plantation to Present Day Santha Rama Rao- ‘By Any Other Name’ and Julia Alvarez "Names/Nombre" Week 2: Anzia Yezierska - ‘Soap and Water’, Week 3: Sandra Cisneros - ‘Geraldo - No Last Name’. Memoirs Week 4: Amy Tan - ‘Mother Tongue’, "The Triple Package" *Subject to change based on class ability/interest.
Learning Goals
In this class, students will read works from award winning authors of different ethnic backgrounds before class and come in to class ready to discuss the struggles, adjustments and triumphs from the memoirs and short stories read. Socratic seminar style discussions will be led in order to facilitate an understanding of the most widely read and engaged with genre of modern literature today. Literary terms such as theme, conflict, persona, narrative, setting etc. will all be discussed.
Other Details
Supply List
PDF handouts of the readings will be posted in the classroom page.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2016
4.9
635reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As an immigrant myself, many of the themes, concepts and ideas presented by these award winning authors resonate with me. I bring in the real life scenarios and passion from experience to teach this topic. Beyond that, my own background in education, teaching ESL and working with a multitude of immigrant families makes me most suited to bring their stories to the forefront. Reviews
Live Group Class
$60
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 17 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-15 learners per class
