Course Plan: Understanding the Most Important Ideal of the Declaration of Independence
Course Introduction
Welcome to "Understanding the Most Important Ideal of the Declaration of Independence." In this course, students will explore the foundational principles of the United States as articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Through collaborative discussions, research, and persuasive writing, students will engage critically with the document and defend which ideal they believe is the most significant. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to articulate their thoughts in a persuasive essay and present their arguments effectively.
Course Goals and Aims
Goals:
- Understand the historical context and significance of the Declaration of Independence.
- Identify and analyze the key ideals expressed in the Declaration.
- Develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills.
Aims:
- To empower students to engage with historical texts.
- To enhance students' ability to express and defend their viewpoints.
- To encourage collaborative discussions that foster a deeper understanding of American ideals.
Course Modules and Lessons
Module 1: Historical Context of the Declaration of Independence
Lesson 1: The Road to Independence
- Objective: Understand the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
- Activities:
- Group discussions on colonial resistance.
- Timeline creation of key events (e.g., Boston Tea Party, Stamp Act).
Lesson 2: The Purpose and Structure of the Declaration
- Objective: Analyze the purpose and main sections of the Declaration of Independence.
- Activities:
- Examine the text of the Declaration; highlight key phrases.
- Discuss the significance of the preamble and the list of grievances.
Module 2: Key Ideals of the Declaration
Lesson 3: Exploring the Ideals
- Objective: Identify and understand the key ideals (e.g., equality, rights, government by consent).
- Activities:
- Small group presentations on different ideals.
- Create a graphic organizer to compare and contrast these ideals.
Lesson 4: The Most Important Ideal
- Objective: Determine which ideal is the most important and why.
- Activities:
- Class debate supporting different ideals.
- Guided discussion to facilitate the development of personal viewpoints.
Module 3: Crafting a Persuasive Argument
Lesson 5: Writing and Presenting a Persuasive Essay
- Objective: Develop a persuasive essay defending the chosen ideal.
- Activities:
- Outline creation and peer review of drafts.
- Finalize essays and prepare presentations to defend their arguments.
- Present arguments to the class, followed by a Q&A session.
Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be assessed through:
- Participation in discussions and group activities (20%).
- Quality and clarity of the graphic organizer (20%).
- Persuasive essay submission (40%).
- Presentation and defense of their chosen ideal (20%).
References
- Declaration of Independence - National Archives. Retrieved from National Archives
- American History: A Survey by Alan Brinkley
- The Declaration of Independence: A Global History by David Armitage
- A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
- The Founding of New England by James Truslow Adams
This course aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the Declaration of Independence and its ideals, ensuring that students not only learn about history but also how to engage with it critically and creatively. Engage, analyze, and persuade!