This paper proposes the use of a modern fantasy thematic literature unit in which high school students read, discuss and study several books and short stories of imaginative fiction. Although the emphasis is upon fantasy, some of the novels and short stories provided take place in futuristic or alternative world settings and context and therefore somewhat overlap with science fiction, which should help students to understand the similarities and differences in the two genres as well as the fact that in many stories, these elements are inseparable. The purpose of the paper is to provide a rationale for the unit as well as a delineation of the instructional objectives, the learning activities, and the assessment methods that will be used. The paper ends with an annotated bibliography of 25 fantasy novels, novellas and short stories that will be used in the thematic unit.
Why teach a modern fantasy thematic unit to high school students? According to Wadham and Wadham (1999) modern fantasy is relevant to all students from the earliest grade levels up through high school and even college levels. For young readers, reading fantasy is said to provide basic learning tools to teach youngsters the world around them. At the older grade levels such as high school, the authors feel that modern fantasy is able to teach values and to crystalize certain modern day social issue (e.g., war, peace, ethnic conflicts, etc.) for young people in a way that has real impact because the fantasy context provides sufficient emotional/mental distance for students to comprehensively examine the topic; moreover, it presents the issues in a unique way that helps students to think beyond their current pattern of thought regarding these issues.
Also, at any grade level, Yolen (2000) points out that modern fantasy is excellent for either developing or consolidating both reading and writing skills. Although it may be difficult initially, Kudva (1999) feels tha...