Introduction+&+Objectives

= Unit: Developing Character in Times of Adversity =


 * Introduction ** **:** Throughout the year we have focused on the theme of the individual and creating character. In prior units we have discussed how society, other individuals, and our interactions with the two help to shape our identity and form our character - how they have helped shape the person we are, the person we want to be. In this last unit of the course we will continue this discussion, this time focusing on adversity and how our actions in the times of adversity shape our character and our identity.

Our essential, guiding question for this unit is "** How does adversity, and our action (or inaction) in the face of adversity, help to shape our identity and develop our character? **" As part of our unit, we will be researching and discussing the topics of memoir, rehabilitation, civil war, child soldiers and conflict diamonds.

This unit will finish out the remaining 6 weeks of school. Our primary piece of literature will be the memoir // A Long Way Gone // by Ishmael Beah. Throughout the unit you will read various related articles, participate in a slide show discussion, and view several videos, including an interview with the author. In addition, you will be expected to view the movie // Blood Diamond // and to submit a short, reflective critique on the movie. In addition to weekly assigned chapter readings and in-class discussions, you will work in teacher-selected groups to create a group project, and take a final summative exam, which in part will include a written reflection focusing on the essential question.

**Learning Objectives:** The following learning objectives are addressed either within the in-class environment or through your online class. They are level-arranged according to [|Bloom's taxonomy]:

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 * Knowledge: **
 * define //adversity// and //resilience//, in general and as they relate to the memoir.
 * define the genre of //memoir// and list several elements of a memoir.
 * correctly describe 2 of the intimidation methods used by the RUF (Revolutionary United Front).
 * correctly locate & identify Sierra Leone on a world map.
 * define the phrase "conflict diamond."
 * Comprehension: **
 * summarize 3 difficulties Ishmael faced while in "detox" at Benin Home.
 * compare the government army with the RUF, correctly listing at least 2 ways in which they are similar.
 * contrast the government army with the RUF, correctly listing at least 2 ways in which they are different.
 * Application: **
 * use a Venn diagram to appropriately and correctly illustrate, with 100% accuracy, the differences and similarities between the genre of memoir and the genre of novel.
 * make a prediction as to what would have happened to Ishmael at various points in his journey, had he changed his actions.
 * Analysis: **
 * categorize the different types of conflict Ishmael faces on his journey and give an example of each.
 * Synthesis: **
 * construct a model of one of the areas Ishmael describes in his journey.
 * use Microsoft Word to plan an outline for Ishmael's speech to the United Nations.
 * Evaluation: **
 * assess Ishmael's level of resilience throughout his journey and provide at least 3 examples from the text.