7th Grade English
Students explore the question of what it means to be American, reading texts that address diverse aspects of the American experience.
Course Summary
In 7th grade, students explore the question of what it means to be American. Students read texts that address diverse aspects of the American experience, including those discussing indigenous Americans, African Americans, first- and second-generation immigrants from different time periods and countries of origin, undocumented youth, and white Americans. Through these texts, students will think deeply about the complex past, present, and future of America, and how to define their ever-changing identity as a nation.
1
Defining America: Poems, Essays, and Short Stories
Students explore the diversity of the American experience through a variety of voices, texts, and genres.
22 Lessons
2
Fighting Injustice: Uprising & Flesh and Blood So Cheap
Students explore the American experience through close study of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the social history of the early 20th century.
34 Lessons
3
Pursuing Dreams: A Raisin in the Sun
Students explore the American experience through the story of an African-American family struggling to achieve their dreams.
24 Lessons
4
Finding Home: The House on Mango Street
Students explore the American experience through the eyes of a young Latina girl as she struggles to define herself in relation to her community.
19 Lessons
5
Exploring Identity: American Born Chinese
Students explore the American experience through the story of a young boy's conflicted relationship with his Chinese-American identity.
21 Lessons
6
Claiming Our Place: LGBTQ+ Experiences in the United States
Students explore the contributions and experiences of LGBTQ+ Americans in the past and present.