1. I Am Malala
Book study

2. Memoir as Literature and History
Through Malala’s story we will discuss the following topics
The unique attributes of memoir as a literary genre
The difference between autobiographies, memoirs, and diaries
Memoir as a powerful witness to history
The relationship between memoir and memory

3. Memoir as Literature and History
How can memoirs shape our understanding of critical moments in history?
What can Malala’s memoir teach us about history and world events?

4. Are Memoirs Always Grounded in Significant Historic Events?
Memoirs start with a historic event: something happened to the writer. They become interesting for a variety of reasons. One is that they allow the reader to understand history from a uniquely personal perspective. A writer may become famous after writing a memoir because of the success of the book.

5. How is a Memoir Different from a Diary or an Autobiography?
A memoir is a personal account of an event, a season or a memory that is generally very personal and focused. It is frequently written after the events being described and offers a degree of reflection and analysis of the circumstances. A diary recounts the daily events of a persons life and, similar to a memoir, may focus on one particular season of life. A diary is a very immediate account, because it is written as events unfold, offers a vivid summary of actions and people. An autobiography tens to focus on a chronological account of a person’s life and tends to be more linear and inclusive.

6. Are Memoirs Always True?
There is an expectation that, at the core, the events that define the story will be true. The unique value of a memoir is that real- life events (battles, conflicts, family milestones, natural disasters, political victories, and defeats, illness, and many more) are represented through a uniquely personal lens.

7. How do Memories Shape Memoirs?
Memory is subjective, that is to say, memories are often shaped by how a person feels about an event, a person, or an experience. An author might write about a painful experience and while the facts are accurate, the descriptions offer a perspective on how she felt about a specific situations. A memoir can tell us not only about the circumstances of a person’s life, but also about their emotional involvement with people and events by what they chose to write about and how they chose to remember.

8. Key Terms
Memoir: a written account in which the author recounts his/her story. A memoir reflects the writer’s point of view and can focus on one theme, one period, or one event.
Autobiography: a first-person narrative of someone’s life.
Biography: the story of a person’s life, written by someone other than the subject of the book.

9. Education: A Human Right for Girls
On October 9, 2012, 15 year old Malala Yousafzai was shot in the face on her way home from school. Her offense was a deeply personal love of learning, accompanied by an equal passionate belief in the right to an education for girls in Pakistan. The theme we will consider is the importance of education for girls as a basic human right through a discussion of the following issues…
The status of girls’ education in Pakistan
International frameworks to ensure education as a human right for girls
Importance of education and schooling
Challenges unique to educating girls

10. Group Activitie Debate: Is education a human right?
Malala appeared in front of the UN and paid homage to all girls, boys, and women who claimed their right to an education. Primary schooling is specifically cited as a right in international conventions, and states are also encouraged to provide for secondary and higher education. But does educating children beyond primary school carry with it the same duties and obligations as other rights?
Using Malala’s experience as a starting point, argue, should states be held accountable for education of their children and youth?

11. Essential Questions for this Unit
How do you think that educating girls can benefit a town? A community? A country?
In your own life, what are the benefits of your education to the following: You, as a person? Your family? Your community? Your state? Your country?

12. Girls’ Education in Pakistan
“The school my father dreamed of would have desks and a library, computers, bright posters on the walls and, most importantly, washrooms.”
(Malala, pg41)