Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What does it mean to be exceptional? What can result from a focus on American Exceptionalism?

Teaching Suggestion: The class might read different dictionary definitions of exceptional and exceptionalism. It might be useful to discuss possible plusses and minuses to being exceptional and to America viewing itself as exceptional. Initially, some might not view any negatives to exceptionalism. The NPR article provides historical context. The Brookings resource explains how harmful American Exceptionalism can be. After reading these, students might journal or discuss new insights.

• “Origins and Future of U.S. ‘Exceptionalism’” from NPR offers an interview with a law professor about American Exceptionalism in both written and audio formats.
• This resource from the Brookings Institute warns that American Exceptionalism needs to shift soon.

Short Activity

Let’s combine our prior knowledge and some research about zombies. Work in your small group to create a collage to add to our display.

Teaching Suggestion: The entire book focuses on zombies. Given the topic’s prevalence in modern culture, chances are some, if not all, students have some knowledge of zombies.