On the Road Lesson Plan

If all of the elements of this lesson plan are employed, students will develop the following powers, skills, and understanding:

1. 1

   Students will learn and discuss the philosophical beliefs of the Beat Generation.

2. 2

   Students will encounter and examine themes of race and gender, and how they play a role (or don't) in defining the Beatniks.

3. 3

   Students will explore how the music of jazz influenced and ran parallel to the Beat Generation.

4. 4

   Students will compare what "freedom" means to different characters, along with the effect that pursuit has on those around them.