HS Government Reading and Writing Workshop
Reading and Writing Workshop: American Politics
Unit Overview:
This workshop explores American politics through public domain works, focusing on interest groups, public policy, political parties, lobbying, and propaganda. Students will analyze historical texts, engage in discussions, and develop writing skills through argumentative and analytical exercises.
Week 1: Introduction to American Politics
Reading: The Federalist Papers (selected essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay)
Discussion Questions:
Week 2: Political Parties and Platforms
Reading: Platform excerpts from historical political parties (e.g., 19th-century Democratic and Republican platforms)
Discussion Questions:
Week 3: Interest Groups and Lobbying
Reading: "The Influence of Political Parties and Interest Groups" (public domain political science texts)
Discussion Questions:
Week 4: Propaganda and Political Messaging
Reading: World War I & II propaganda speeches and pamphlets (public domain)
Discussion Questions:
Week 5: Public Policy and Media Influence
Reading: Excerpts from "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville
Discussion Questions:
Final Project:
Students will select a historical or modern political issue and create a research-based argumentative essay, incorporating historical texts and media analysis. Presentations will include AI-generated insights on public opinion trends related to their topic.
Skills Developed:
Unit Overview:
This workshop explores American politics through public domain works, focusing on interest groups, public policy, political parties, lobbying, and propaganda. Students will analyze historical texts, engage in discussions, and develop writing skills through argumentative and analytical exercises.
Week 1: Introduction to American Politics
Reading: The Federalist Papers (selected essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay)
Discussion Questions:
- What arguments do the authors make about factions and interest groups?
- How do these arguments apply to modern American politics? Writing Task: Write a short essay analyzing a Federalist Paper’s relevance to current political debates.
Week 2: Political Parties and Platforms
Reading: Platform excerpts from historical political parties (e.g., 19th-century Democratic and Republican platforms)
Discussion Questions:
- How have party platforms evolved over time?
- What factors influence shifts in political ideologies? Writing Task: Compare a historical party platform with a modern equivalent, highlighting key differences and similarities.
Week 3: Interest Groups and Lobbying
Reading: "The Influence of Political Parties and Interest Groups" (public domain political science texts)
Discussion Questions:
- How do interest groups shape policy and elections?
- Are interest groups beneficial or harmful to democracy? Writing Task: Write a persuasive essay defending or critiquing the role of interest groups in American politics.
Week 4: Propaganda and Political Messaging
Reading: World War I & II propaganda speeches and pamphlets (public domain)
Discussion Questions:
- What techniques are used to persuade audiences?
- How does historical propaganda compare to modern political messaging? Writing Task: Analyze a historical propaganda piece and compare it to a modern political ad.
Week 5: Public Policy and Media Influence
Reading: Excerpts from "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville
Discussion Questions:
- How does the media shape public perception of policy issues?
- What role does public opinion play in policymaking? Writing Task: Research a recent policy decision and analyze how media coverage influenced public opinion.
Final Project:
Students will select a historical or modern political issue and create a research-based argumentative essay, incorporating historical texts and media analysis. Presentations will include AI-generated insights on public opinion trends related to their topic.
Skills Developed:
- Critical reading and textual analysis
- Argumentative and persuasive writing
- Comparative analysis of historical and modern political issues
- Media literacy and propaganda analysis
- Research and evidence-based argumentation