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Superheroes as Philanthropists

Unit of 5 lessons

9th-12th Grade

Subjects:

Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view

Lesson 1 :	ELA:	Cello of Mr. O (The); Analyze/Interpret; Choices/Consequences; Plot Development; Theme
	PHIL:	3 genOn; 9/11genOn; Altruism; Enlightened Self-Interest; Motivation for Giving
	SOC:	Group Discussions
Lesson 2 :	ELA:	Spider Man; Reading; Response to Text/Others; Theme; Understanding/Interpretation
	PHIL:	Altruism; Civic Responsibility/Virtue; Motivation for Giving
	SOC:	10 genOn
Lesson 3 :	ELA:	Presentations; Theme
	PHIL:	Heroes; Philanthropic Act
	SOC:	10 genOn
Lesson 4 :	ELA:	Archetypes
	PHIL:	Heroes
	SOC:	10 genOn; Cultures
Lesson 5 :	ELA:	Letter Writing; Reflection; Research; Synthesizing; Writing Process
	PHIL:	Community; Heroes; Service Project; Social Action
	SOC:	10 genOn; Analyze/Interpret; Inquiry

Unit Overview:

In the comic Spider-Man, a teenager has to make a choice about using his new-found power for self-serving purposes or for the greater good of his community; he chooses the latter, realizing (the hard way) that with great power, there must also come great responsibility. In this unit, students will study the story of Spider-Man through the 2002 film and the original Spider-Man cartoon, identifying the themes in the story, the motivations behind philanthropic actions such as Spider-Man's, and the cultural significance of comics. They will then use these ideas to generate solutions to problems and formulate perspectives on the same types of issues in the real world by using their power to benefit those in need.

Unit Purpose:

Students will identify the themes in the story of Spider-Man and other comics, the motivations behind philanthropic actions of superheroes, and the cultural significance of comics. They will then use these ideas to generate solutions to real-world problems by researching a social issue that they care about deeply, and taking action such as writing letters to lawmakers, volunteering at agencies, using media to educate others, etc. to begin solving these problems.

Unit Objectives:

The learner will::

write out a statement of theme for a piece of literature.

identify the seven motivations for giving and serving, and think of others if necessary.

identify and evaluate philanthropic actions of superheroes and their motivations, and present his/her findings to the class in a creative way.

define archetypes and understand their significance in literature.

research a social issue and choose an active way to become part of a solution to the problem that he/she uncovers.

propose and participate in a service-learning activity based on his/her research.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

Students will choose an action, based on their research, whether it is writing letters to lawmakers, volunteering at agencies, using the media to educate others about a problem, or another action of their choice, to be part of a solution to a problem that they care about deeply.

Unit Assessment:

Students will be assessed for Lessons One, Two and Four by turning in written responses to questions related to the lesson at the end of the class period or for homework. The assessment for Lesson Four is a rubric evaluating the presentation, and Lesson Five's assessment is a rubric evaluating a paper that students will write discussing what they learned about their chosen social issue and a self-reflection on their action. (Documentation of their action must also be provided.)

School/Home Connection:

To Our Parents:
Class Update for Our New Unit—Superheroes as Philanthropists
In the comic Spider-Man, a teenager has to make a choice about using his new-found power for self-serving purposes or for the greater good of his community; he chooses the latter, realizing (the hard way) that with great power, there must also come great responsibility. In this unit, students will study the story of Spider-Man through the recent film and the original Spider-Man cartoon, identifying the themes in the story, the motivations behind philanthropic actions such as Spider-Man's, and the cultural significance of comics. They will then use these ideas to generate solutions to problems and formulate perspectives on the same types of issues in the real world by using their power to benefit those in need.

Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
Although it is not required, students should be encouraged to work with their parents on researching their social issue and the action taken to be part of a solution. Volunteering at an agency or writing letters to their congress people would be a great opportunity for parents and students to spend time together. (See Lesson Five: Becoming a Superhero.)

Attachment Two: Discussion Questions from Lesson Four: Discussion of Superheroes' Roles in Our Culture and How Americans View Philanthropy

Notes for Teaching:

Lesson Two: Identifying Themes in Spider-Man and the Seven Motivations for Giving and Serving and Lesson Four: Discussion of Superheroes' Roles in Our Culture and How Americans View Philanthropy are the meat of the unit. If you are pressed for time, or if you don't need to meet the ELA benchmarks taught in Lessons One, Three and Five, the unit can be taught with just Lessons Two and Four and still retain its continuity.
Attachment One: The Seven Motivations for Giving and Serving from Lesson Two: Identifying Themes in Spider-Man and the Seven Motivations for Giving and Serving was written in regard to people who donate money to nonprofits. However, they can also be applied to service in general. You may choose to just use the headings and have students discuss what they mean, or you may have them read the descriptions and modify them in regard to service.