Primary Text: Hillbilly Elegy – Dive into J.D. Vance’s eye-opening memoir that explores the struggles and resilience of America’s white working-class, sparking powerful discussions on class and identity. Engage in Critical Exploration – Students examine essential questions about poverty, social mobility, and persuasion techniques, challenging preconceived notions and fostering deeper understanding. Real-World Connections – Complete a hands-on cost of living project, analyzing wages vs. essential expenses, and unpack key factors like education, health, and geography that contribute to systemic poverty. Master Rhetorical Analysis – Study rhetorical appeals (pathos, ethos, logos) in Vance’s narrative to gain a deeper grasp of persuasive writing and the impact of language on argumentation. Essential Themes – Cover key social issues such as resilience, changing culture, identity, and limited agency in certain communities, broadening students’ perspectives on social and economic challenges. Build Empathy and Insight – This unit helps students develop a compassionate understanding of the complexities of poverty, preparing them to think critically about these issues in today’s society. Hillbilly Elegy is not included with this unit study and will need to be purchased separately from your preferred bookstore or retailer. The book Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance contains mature language and themes, including references to addiction, poverty, and family dysfunction. While this curriculum is designed to facilitate thoughtful discussions around the book's content, we encourage parents to review the text beforehand.
