Disgrace lesson 1

Introduction

Welcome to our lesson series on "Disgrace" by J.M. Coetzee!

In these four lessons, each lasting +/- 90 minutes, we'll be exploring and discussing the  book 'Disgrace' in a slightly different way than you might be used to when discussing literature in class. Alongside exploring the characters and themes of the book, we'll also take a closer look at the historical context of when the book was written and published. Understanding this context is crucial because it helps us understand why the book was written in the first place.

Introduction 'Disgrace' and the historical context of the novel

Lesson 1: Introduction & Historical context

About the author

Historical context of the book

Video assignment

Class Discussion

Reading

Recap + end of the lesson

Lesson objectives

1. At the end of the lesson, the student is able to explain in their own words what the lessonseries will consist of and what they will be assessed on.

2. At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to explain in their own words what the historical context of this novel is (and put this knowledge to use in assignments).

3. At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to share their knowledge on the topic with classmates in a group discussion.

Prediction: What could the book 'Disgrace' be about?

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

J.M. Coetzee

South African author. 

Nobel prize for literature (2003)

Disgrace (1999): booker prize

known for novels on colonization

Blurb Disgrace

Set in post-apartheid South Africa, J. M. Coetzee’s searing novel tells the story of David Lurie, a twice divorced, 52-year-old professor of communications and Romantic Poetry at Cape Technical University. Lurie believes he has created a comfortable, if somewhat passionless, life for himself. He lives within his financial and emotional means. Though his position at the university has been reduced, he teaches his classes dutifully; and while age has diminished his attractiveness, weekly visits to a prostitute satisfy his sexual needs. He considers himself happy. However, when Lurie seduces one of his students, he sets in motion a chain of events that will shatter his complacency and leave him utterly disgraced.

Was this similar to your prediction?

1. Yes
2. No

South Africa

Apartheid

Video assignment

You'll need: piece of paper to take notes + pen

We will watch a video on the topic of South African apartheid. As previously practiced, take notes while watching the video (practice KLV). You will answer a few questions afterwards and we will have a class discussion.

In what year was the National Party elected to power on a platform of apartheid?

1. 1652
2. 1910
3. 1948
4. 1994

Apartheid legislation made it impossible for Black Africans to ____.

1. Vote
2. Form trade unions
3. Belong to political parties
4. Critize the apartheid government

The Apartheid policy aimed to achieve the objective of ____

1. Racial segregatoin
2. Financial consolidation
3. Independence from the British empire
4. Uniting the Afrikaner people

Under Apartheid, approximately what percentage of South Africa’s territory was set aside for occupation by the Indigenous majority?

1. 0
2. 13
3. 30
4. 100

Which of the following measures did President F.W. de Klerk not announce on February 2, 1990?

1. The unbanning of the African National Congress
2. His willingness to enter into negotiations for a new constitution
3. The release of Nelson Mandela
4. The release of Steve Biko

Expert rounds

Each student will receive their own number (1-4). This number corresponds with an article.

In groups of 4 (where all the numbers are represented) you will share your answers to the following questions:

• Can you summarize the main points of the article?
• Did you learn any new words / words that you haven't seen before? Share them with your group.
• What lessons can other countries learn from South Africa's post-apartheid experience, based on the article?
• How did reading this article make you feel? (emotions, questions, etc.)

We will discuss your findings with the rest of the class as well.

gulfnews.com

www.npr.org

theconversation.com

apnews.com

Discussion in groups

Answer the following questions in your group:

1. How does learning about the history of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa impact your understanding of social justice and equality?
2. Does apartheid still influence South African society? is it also present in the Netherlands? 

You will share your answers with the class afterwards.

What did you learn today?

Reading schedule

Date

What to read?

Lesson objectives

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