Unit Rationale

Q. Why should this unit be taught?

A. Students face examples of social justice every day in their lives, and examples of social justice exist in multiple genres of literature and media. This unit explores how dystopian literature can emphasize aspects of social justice discussion, and showcase to students how society has hope to change for the better. This unit also uses a wide variety of examples of dystopian literature, videos, poetry, and creative writing for students to explore other avenues of social justice.

Q. What major themes will be covered?

A. Students will be analyzing social justice through the lens of social justice of dystopic literature. Through readings and assignments, topics of hunger and violence will be discussed in comparison to The Hunger Games and the United States.

Q.What text is being covered in this unit?

A. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Q. Why is this text important?

A. The Hunger Games is a novel that leaves students gripped with suspense for the dangers the characters face in order to survive during the games. Katniss Everdeen, the main character of the book, is a strong female and teenage protagonist who finds herself as the head of the family and breadwinner; due to issues in social justice, Katniss must leave her family and literally fight for her life or else be killed during the Hunger Games. Many social justice issues arise within the text, the most significant being issues of hunger and violence; other issues include involuntary labor and forced war. In this dystopic novel, the United States has been reduced to a country called Panem, where twelve districts work to provide for the Capital. Katniss, who lives in District 12, cannot believe the wasted resources and gluttony she sees when she visits the Capital; she cannot help but shudder at the thought of everyone without the resources to live in her District, while others have so much. The Hunger Games analyzes how competing against social injustices could save the country.