Described are two English units--Aggression and Death--developed at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, intended for use in the inner city secondary school. Built on the premise that erudition should be an extension of the search for self-knowledge, both units involved the students in a general discussion of how aggression (or death) is apparent in our daily lives and analyzed the ways in which we cope with these problems. Following the reading of a specially prepared article (e.g., high interest, low vocabulary), as well as more literary articles for information on the topic, a reading guide was used to further language skills and an understanding of the issues. Group discussion and student interviews with the author of the special article encouraged a deeper analysis of the subject. Finally, the students were asked to complete one of five possible independent projects. An initial evaluation of the unit on Aggression showed the need for more student participation; consequently a "Think and Do" section (involving questions and activities) was added to the unit on Death. It was generally felt that a discussion of any topic works best by looking first to the needs of the students, and then to the available materials. (HS)