Man and Superman Lesson Plan

Superman and Übermensch

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will be able to understand the philosophical history behind Shaw's title and its role in the play

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8

Structure:

Ask students what they think of when they consider the title of the play. Many will probably associate it with the Superman, the comic book superhero, but the idea predates that—Shaw is referring to the work of a German philosopher named Nietzsche, who put forward the notion of a superman or "übermensch." What do students think that might mean?

Divide students into small groups, and ask each to use at least three...