Graphic Narrative/Immigration Unit English 10

Disclaimer: This is a new unit for all teachers this year. It may go well. It may also be a bumpy ride. Either way, remember that it’s my first time teaching these novels, so I may make some mistakes.

What are we going to read? The Arrival is a wordless graphic novel. That’s right - no words. It’s intended to be a universal expression of the immigration experience.

What are we going to read? At the moment, I don’t have a great way of describing this story other than telling you that there are two storylines - one about a young boy and one about a monkey king.

What are we going to read? Persepolis is the true story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran, Iran during the Islamic Revolution and of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political change.

What are the goals of this unit? 1. exposure to alternative forms of literature and storytelling 1. introduction to cultures or histories that may be different from your own 1. the ability to find connections and similarities within these differences 1. the ability to communicate clearly 1. enjoyment, perhaps

By the end of this unit you should have a better understanding of some basic artistic theories 1. you’ll probably have a more informed opinion on the history of Iran 1. you’ll be able to read a comic book 1. you’ll be able to decide whether or not you think that “graphic narratives” or comics really should be considered legitimate forms of literature or art 1. you’ll have a better understand of how we interpret images, icons, and symbols in our world