1. What’s makes you laugh?

2. General Unit Description Topic: Understanding satire Grade: 12 (can be adapted for any grade level) Time: 4 weeks/ 55 minute class periods

3. Why do students need to learn satire? From television to music, students spend a great deal of time interacting with satire everyday Satirical shows such as The Daily Show, and Saturday Night Live have been cited as shaping the beliefs of young viewers Students need to be able to determine the underlying message of what they are watching, reading, and listening to in order to make informed decisions Most importantly, students need to see that they can learn and laugh simultaneously

4. Learning Outcomes Students will be able to create their own unique, satirical work; applying the skills and knowledge of the genre of satire. (Grades Eleven & Twelve, W2.3) Students will be able to identify underlying assumptions, claims, or beliefs in a given satirical work and describe how effective the author is in conveying their purpose. (Grades Eleven & Twelve, RC 2.5) Students will be able to define the following five terms and create an example of each: parody, exaggeration, absurdity, irony, and hyperbole.(Grades Eleven & Twelve, LA 3.1) Students will be able to use textual evidence to identify an author’s use of humor, or other satirical features, to critique society, institutions, or people. (Grades Eleven & Twelve, LA 3.2) Students will be able to compare and contrast two or more satirical works. (Grades Eleven & Twelve, LA 3.3) Students will be able to correctly identify the tone, target, and purpose within a select work. (Grades Eleven & Twelve, LA 3.1)

5. Text list…

6. Question based instruction How would you define humor? What types of things do you find funny? Why do people have different responses to humor? Why do satirists use humor throughout their works? In what ways is it effective? What types of targets do you see around you? Which mode of satire is most effective? How does this work shock or offend you?

7. Satire vs. Comedy How is satire different from comedy? -Comedy uses humor primarily for entertainment and amusement -Satire uses humor as a weapon to expose human failings

8. Students will learn to identify… Who, or what, the target is The type and tone of the satire The satirists’ purpose (What do they want changed?) The techniques they use to influence their audience

9. Creating An Original Satire Must reflect personal interpretation of humor May take the form of a short story, song, poem, or comic book Should demonstrate a clear understanding of satire

10. Conclusion Student centered and engaging Allows students to use background knowledge to build deeper understand of satire Lets students laugh and enjoy the classroom experience