The seminar “Language and Literature in the New South Africa” familiarized students with a range of contemporary and antecedent short stories by South African authors in context of the highly problematic terms of apartheid and post-apartheid especially with regard to South African culture. A major aspect of the seminar was the question of identity and culture as it is recognizable in language and literature. Community should be achieved as an important role in South Africa. To implicate the usability for (short) stories in the English language classroom, the fact that they in general meet a basic human need and a plurality of methodological approaches especially for young people in order to understand the “other” are to be emphasised.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Approaches to "The Park" by James Matthews
- 2.1. Topics and related topics
- 2.2. Appropriate Images in "The Park" for elaboration
- 2.3. Narrative strategy and point of view
- 2.4. Issues referring to (multi)cultural and religious context.
- 2.5. Role of race
- 3. Plan of the teaching unit
- 3.1. Lessons and goals
- 3.2. Activities and tasks
- 4. Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this teaching unit is to utilize James Matthews' short story, "The Park," to explore themes of apartheid and multiculturalism in a South African context within an English language classroom. The story's potential for creative activities and its engagement with diverse perspectives make it ideal for fostering understanding of "the other." The unit aims to make students aware of different cultures and the problems within them, particularly the cultural heritage of black South Africans during apartheid.
- Apartheid in South Africa
- Multiculturalism and multiethnic societies
- Racism and its impact
- Poverty and hard work
- Cultural heritage and identity
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the teaching unit by establishing its context within a larger seminar on "Language and Literature in the New South Africa." It highlights the seminar's focus on contemporary South African short stories, the complexities of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, and the crucial role of identity and culture in shaping the nation's narrative. The chapter emphasizes the importance of using short stories as a tool for understanding different cultures and perspectives, especially for young learners, while underscoring the potential of creative activities in bridging cultural divides. The introduction specifically positions James Matthews' "The Park" as a rich text for exploring the theme of "living in a multicultural society," particularly in relation to the historical context of apartheid.
2. Approaches to "The Park" by James Matthews: This chapter delves into the pedagogical approaches for using "The Park" in the classroom. It emphasizes the story's relevance to the contemporary reality of increasingly multicultural societies in Europe and beyond, highlighting its capacity to raise student awareness of their own cultures while simultaneously exposing them to the experiences of others. The chapter positions the story as a means of fostering empathy and understanding by focusing on the experiences of a young black boy during apartheid. It underscores the story's suitability for analyzing narrative techniques, language, and stylistic devices, suggesting a multi-faceted approach to literary analysis within the classroom.
3. Plan of the teaching unit: This chapter presents the detailed plan for the teaching unit, outlining the lessons, goals, and specific activities and tasks designed to engage students with the themes and narrative techniques present in "The Park." While the specific details of the lesson plans are not provided in the preview, the overall aim is to create an engaging and thought-provoking learning experience centered on the story. The chapter provides a framework for how the previously discussed thematic and analytical approaches will be implemented in practice, thereby giving a practical application to the theoretical discussions of the previous sections.
Keywords
Apartheid, South Africa, multiculturalism, racism, cultural heritage, identity, short story, James Matthews, "The Park," narrative techniques, literary analysis, teaching unit, classroom activities.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Teaching Unit on James Matthews' "The Park"
What is the overall aim of this teaching unit?
The primary objective is to use James Matthews' short story, "The Park," to explore themes of apartheid and multiculturalism in a South African context within an English language classroom. It aims to foster understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, particularly the experiences of black South Africans during apartheid, and to promote empathy and critical thinking.
What are the key themes explored in the unit?
The unit focuses on several interconnected themes: apartheid in South Africa, multiculturalism and multiethnic societies, racism and its impact, poverty and hard work, and cultural heritage and identity. These themes are explored through the lens of "The Park," allowing for a nuanced understanding of these complex issues.
How is the short story, "The Park," utilized in the teaching unit?
"The Park" serves as the central text, providing a rich narrative for analyzing various aspects, including narrative strategies, point of view, and the depiction of cultural and religious contexts. The story's potential for creative activities and engagement with diverse perspectives makes it ideal for fostering understanding and encouraging discussion.
What pedagogical approaches are employed in the unit?
The unit employs a multifaceted approach to literary analysis, encouraging students to examine narrative techniques, language, and stylistic devices within the story. It also emphasizes the importance of creative activities and engaging with the story on multiple levels to promote deeper understanding and critical engagement.
What is included in the teaching unit's plan?
The teaching unit's plan outlines lessons, goals, and specific activities and tasks designed to engage students with the themes and narrative techniques of "The Park." It provides a framework for implementing the theoretical discussions in a practical classroom setting, creating an engaging and thought-provoking learning experience.
What are the main chapters covered in the unit?
The unit is structured into four main chapters: an introduction setting the context and objectives; an in-depth exploration of pedagogical approaches to "The Park"; a detailed plan of the teaching unit itself; and a concluding summary. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a coherent and comprehensive approach to teaching the story.
Who is the intended audience for this teaching unit?
This teaching unit is designed for use in an English language classroom, specifically targeting students who can benefit from exploring complex themes of culture, identity, and history through a literary lens. The unit's focus on creative activities and diverse perspectives makes it suitable for a variety of learning styles.
What are the keywords associated with this teaching unit?
Keywords associated with the unit include: Apartheid, South Africa, multiculturalism, racism, cultural heritage, identity, short story, James Matthews, "The Park," narrative techniques, literary analysis, teaching unit, and classroom activities.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Joan-Ivonne Bake (Autor:in), 2003, “The Park” by James Matthews. Short stories by South African authors in the classroom, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/160206
