Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Lesson Plan

"Do it right; remember Horatio Alger..." (95)

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

Students will expand their knowledge of a key literary reference in the text and gain a more nuanced understanding of one of the novel's central themes.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4

Structure:

Divide students into groups. Using tablets, computers, and the library, have them research Horatio Alger, Jr. and the notion of the "Horatio Alger myth."

First ask students to spend 10 minutes researching the content and synopsis of at least three of Alger's main books. In their groups, students...