Exploring Maus: A Lesson on Art Spiegelman's Graphic Novel and the Israel-Gaza Conflict

Exploring Maus: A Lesson on Art Spiegelman's Graphic Novel and the Israel-Gaza Conflict

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will have a deeper understanding of the book Maus by Art Spiegelman and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza Palestine.

What do you already know about the graphic novel Maus and the current situation between Israel and Gaza Palestine?

Introduction to Maus

Maus is a graphic novel by Art Spiegelman, depicting the author's father's experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor.

Art Spiegelman

Art Spiegelman is an American cartoonist and author, best known for his work on Maus, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize.

Graphic Novel Elements

Maus is known for its unique portrayal of characters as animals, with Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, offering a powerful allegorical representation of the Holocaust.

Historical Context

The Israel-Gaza conflict refers to the ongoing struggle between Israel and Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, involving complex political and humanitarian issues.

Current Situation

Discuss the recent events and tensions in the Israel-Gaza conflict, including the impact on civilians and international response.

Comparative Analysis

Explore the themes of oppression, resilience, and conflict in both Maus and the Israel-Gaza situation, highlighting similarities and differences.

Reflection and Discussion

Encourage students to reflect on the connections between literature and real-world events, fostering critical thinking and empathy.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.