The Texts
Batman: Year One
This is the first text of the unit. The graphic novel describes the beginnings of Batman's role of masked protector in Gotham city. In addition, this novel tells the story of Jim Gordon, a newly transferred cop from Chicago to Gotham. In this text, readers witness Batman as an inexperienced vigilante trying to clean up Gotham, while Jim Gordon battles right and wrong. Is it wrong to allow a masked man to work outside the law? If the police department is corrupt, then is it wrong to allow citizens to take the law into their own hands?
Teachers are encouraged to teach this text first as it allows them to present students with an abundance of clear examples of the Hero Complex. In addition, this text introduces students to a text with which they have little to no experience. Teachers should walk through this text with students in order to help them "read" images as well as the texts. Using this texts first also allows teachers to use a subject with which students are familiar and will, therefore, potentially get students more excited for the unit.
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Macbeth
Macbeth is a story of ambition and manipulation. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth aspire to be rulers of Scotland... by whatever means necessary. This text provides students with a unique perspective of the protagonist. Students, with their Medical Logs, can formulate opinions based on whether or not they think Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth exhibit symptoms of the Hero Complex and whether or not they think that these characters would fall under the role of "hero."
Students should be allowed to read this or The Hunger Games after Batman: Year One in order to allow students to formulate original arguments using what they have learned from Batman: Year One.
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The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games offers its readers alternative definitions of the word "hero." Using the characters Katniss and Cato, teachers can prompt students to think critically about the role of the hero. Is Cato actually a villain? Does Cato just want to win, or is he fighting for the betterment of his district? Can students make the argument that Cato is actually a hero?
Students should be allowed to read this or The Hunger Games after Batman: Year One in order to allow students to formulate original arguments using what they have learned from Batman: Year One.
Purchase
This is the first text of the unit. The graphic novel describes the beginnings of Batman's role of masked protector in Gotham city. In addition, this novel tells the story of Jim Gordon, a newly transferred cop from Chicago to Gotham. In this text, readers witness Batman as an inexperienced vigilante trying to clean up Gotham, while Jim Gordon battles right and wrong. Is it wrong to allow a masked man to work outside the law? If the police department is corrupt, then is it wrong to allow citizens to take the law into their own hands?
Teachers are encouraged to teach this text first as it allows them to present students with an abundance of clear examples of the Hero Complex. In addition, this text introduces students to a text with which they have little to no experience. Teachers should walk through this text with students in order to help them "read" images as well as the texts. Using this texts first also allows teachers to use a subject with which students are familiar and will, therefore, potentially get students more excited for the unit.
More information / Purchase
Macbeth
Macbeth is a story of ambition and manipulation. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth aspire to be rulers of Scotland... by whatever means necessary. This text provides students with a unique perspective of the protagonist. Students, with their Medical Logs, can formulate opinions based on whether or not they think Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth exhibit symptoms of the Hero Complex and whether or not they think that these characters would fall under the role of "hero."
Students should be allowed to read this or The Hunger Games after Batman: Year One in order to allow students to formulate original arguments using what they have learned from Batman: Year One.
Purchase
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games offers its readers alternative definitions of the word "hero." Using the characters Katniss and Cato, teachers can prompt students to think critically about the role of the hero. Is Cato actually a villain? Does Cato just want to win, or is he fighting for the betterment of his district? Can students make the argument that Cato is actually a hero?
Students should be allowed to read this or The Hunger Games after Batman: Year One in order to allow students to formulate original arguments using what they have learned from Batman: Year One.
Purchase