Objectives
This unit provides approaches for exploring race and persuasion through multiple texts. The unit incorporates inquiry while still meeting district core curricula standards. The overall objectives are described within 4 major categories below:
Researching and Analyzing Rhetoric in Speeches and Non-Fiction Text
To provide students with background knowledge, I will cover examples of rhetoric used during pre and post civil rights periods. I plan to use biographies or speech excerpts from Sojourner Truth, Fredrick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, and Martin Luther King, as well as documentaries, and poetry to expose students to the history and rhetoric used during important historical events. Once students obtain background knowledge about rhetoric and persuasive forms they will conduct an inquiry into Obama's speech on race and post black identity. Students could conduct research into Barack Obama's policies and his influence on health care or education. Lastly, students could complete first person research narratives about their journey of discovering the persuasive nature of Obama's speeches and the meaning of a post racial society.
Reading, Writing and Responding to Speeches and Other Media
To improve literacy skills, students will read and write responses, speech reviews, persuasive essays, and other writing. The reading and writing of editorials could activate students' inquiry about the nature of persuasion and the issues of post racial identity. Students will compare and contrast the rhetoric of Obama with that of other orators. Students will write speeches or essays on whether Obama's presidency has had a positive or negative impact on the quality of life for the typical African American citizen.
Critical Thinking and Evaluating Rhetoric
This unit will teach students to gather, evaluate, and question rhetoric and persuasion techniques found in a variety of sources. To further engage students they will analyze and interpret the credibility, accuracy, and reliability of different speeches related to race. Students will learn to check for rhetorical elements using media literacy principals.
- Who created the speech and what is its purpose?
- How might different people understand this speech differently?
- What creative techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
- What values, lifestyles and points of view are represented in this speech?
- What is omitted from the speech?
Creating Post-Black Media Persuasion Products
To support students in synthesizing their inquiry about Obama's persuasive power and post black identity, students will create their own media products. I plan to collaborate with arts and media making organizations to support students in creating mixed media projects reflecting their culminating deliberations and discoveries.
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