World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

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. It could help build interest before reading if students share that information and add to their understanding. It is important to note that the Vox resource examines some shameful, traumatic aspects of society, including racism. After discussing what they already know about zombies, students could read the resources here and incorporate new ideas into their project too. The groups might present, the class could discuss main findings, or students could write additional wonderings in journals.

• This BBC resource includes numerous links to different sources about zombies.
• “How the Zombie Represents America’s Deepest Fears” from Vox presents a history of key moments in the history of zombies and how they connect to the social and political landscape in America. A note: this resource discusses racism in various forms.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students with kinesthetic learning styles, an opportunity to act out scenes in addition to the collage might be beneficial.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

When dealing with a global tragedy, what do you want the leaders of countries to remember?

Teaching Suggestion: With the world still reeling from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and still facing other global crises, including global warming, war, and genocide, this topic is both important and possibly too-close for some students. Approaching this connection before reading and revisiting with sensitivity and support throughout the novel can provide students with opportunities to reflect, share, and seek help as they need.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from additional writing practice or who need a service-learning project, could turn their ideas into an email or letter to an elected official and send it to that official.