HS Government Reading and Writing Workshop
Workshop Title: Understanding Foreign Policy and National Defense
Workshop ObjectivesBy the end of this workshop, students will be able to:
Materials
Workshop Breakdown
Day 1: Introduction to Foreign Policy and National DefenseObjective: Introduce students to key concepts and terms related to foreign policy and national defense, with a focus on U.S. involvement in global affairs.
Day 2: Exploring the Shift from Isolationism to InternationalismObjective: Analyze the change in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to international involvement, focusing on World War II and its aftermath.
Day 3: Case Study – The Cuban Missile Crisis and DiplomacyObjective: Understand the role of diplomacy in foreign policy decision-making through a case study of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Day 4: Foreign Policy and National Defense TodayObjective: Examine contemporary foreign policy issues and the role of the U.S. in national defense.
Day 5: Synthesis – Foreign Policy and National Defense EssayObjective: Synthesize what students have learned about foreign policy and national defense into a well-structured, argumentative essay.
Day 6: Reflecting on Foreign Policy and National DefenseObjective: Reflect on what students have learned in the unit, using both writing and discussion.
Assessment and Evaluation
This workshop structure emphasizes reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing, while also encouraging students to engage with both historical and contemporary issues in U.S. foreign policy.
Workshop ObjectivesBy the end of this workshop, students will be able to:
- Analyze primary and secondary sources on foreign policy and national defense.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the role the U.S. plays in international relations.
- Write argumentative essays about U.S. foreign policy and national defense strategies.
- Improve their skills in reading comprehension, summarization, and critical analysis of complex texts.
Materials
- Primary and secondary source readings (e.g., excerpts from historical speeches, articles on foreign policy issues, treaties).
- Writing tools (notebooks, computers).
- Research resources (libraries, internet access for news articles).
- Rubrics for essay writing and peer review.
- AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT for generating discussion points and providing writing suggestions).
Workshop Breakdown
Day 1: Introduction to Foreign Policy and National DefenseObjective: Introduce students to key concepts and terms related to foreign policy and national defense, with a focus on U.S. involvement in global affairs.
- Activity 1 – Reading (Primary Source):
Text: Excerpt from George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) – on the dangers of entangling alliances and isolationism.- Task: Read and summarize Washington's stance on foreign relations.
- Discussion: How does Washington’s advice reflect early U.S. foreign policy? Does his vision align with today’s U.S. foreign policy stance?
- Activity 2 – Writing Response:
Write a brief (1–2 paragraph) reflection on Washington’s views on foreign policy. How might his ideas about isolationism have shaped the U.S. until the 20th century?
Day 2: Exploring the Shift from Isolationism to InternationalismObjective: Analyze the change in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to international involvement, focusing on World War II and its aftermath.
- Activity 1 – Reading (Secondary Source):
Text: An article on the U.S. transition from isolationism to internationalism, focusing on the 1940s.- Task: Read the article and highlight key points about why the U.S. abandoned isolationism after WWII.
- Discussion: Why did the U.S. change its stance on foreign policy after WWII? What were the global and domestic factors involved?
- Activity 2 – Writing Prompt:
Write a short essay (2–3 paragraphs) on the reasons for the U.S. abandonment of isolationism after WWII. What were the implications of this shift on the global stage? - Activity 3 – Peer Review:
Exchange essays with a partner. Provide constructive feedback on clarity, argument development, and use of evidence.
Day 3: Case Study – The Cuban Missile Crisis and DiplomacyObjective: Understand the role of diplomacy in foreign policy decision-making through a case study of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Activity 1 – Reading (Primary Source):
Text: Excerpt from President Kennedy’s speech to the nation during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).- Task: Read and analyze the speech. Focus on how Kennedy presents the crisis and calls for diplomatic resolution.
- Discussion: What rhetorical strategies does Kennedy use to build trust and justify action? How does the speech reflect U.S. foreign policy goals during the Cold War?
- Activity 2 – Writing Prompt:
Write a 3–4 paragraph essay analyzing Kennedy’s speech. Discuss how his diplomatic approach during the Cuban Missile Crisis demonstrates U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Cold War.
Day 4: Foreign Policy and National Defense TodayObjective: Examine contemporary foreign policy issues and the role of the U.S. in national defense.
- Activity 1 – Reading (Current Event):
Text: A news article on U.S. foreign policy toward China, focusing on trade relations, military presence, and diplomatic efforts.- Task: Summarize the key points of the article.
- Discussion: How does the article demonstrate current U.S. foreign policy strategies? What are the key challenges the U.S. faces in its foreign relations with China?
- Activity 2 – Writing Prompt:
Write a position paper (3–4 paragraphs) on whether the U.S. should adopt a more isolationist or internationalist stance in its foreign policy toward China. Use evidence from the article and historical context to support your position.
Day 5: Synthesis – Foreign Policy and National Defense EssayObjective: Synthesize what students have learned about foreign policy and national defense into a well-structured, argumentative essay.
- Activity 1 – Writing the Essay:
Essay Prompt: Analyze the evolution of U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to internationalism. In your essay, include the following:- The reasons for the shift in U.S. foreign policy.
- The role of diplomacy and national defense in shaping foreign policy decisions.
- A discussion on the current state of U.S. foreign policy, with examples.
- Activity 2 – Peer Review:
Exchange essays with a peer for feedback. Focus on thesis clarity, argument structure, and use of evidence. - Activity 3 – Final Revision:
Revise essays based on peer feedback. Submit the final draft for assessment.
Day 6: Reflecting on Foreign Policy and National DefenseObjective: Reflect on what students have learned in the unit, using both writing and discussion.
- Activity 1 – Group Discussion:
Students will discuss their essays, focusing on how their understanding of foreign policy has evolved. They will share their thoughts on the role of national defense in shaping foreign policy decisions. - Activity 2 – Exit Ticket:
Write a 1–2 sentence response to the question: “What is the most important factor in shaping U.S. foreign policy today?”
Assessment and Evaluation
- Reading Comprehension: Participation in reading activities and discussions.
- Writing: Evaluation of essays based on the clarity of the argument, use of evidence, and writing mechanics.
- Peer Review: Participation in providing constructive feedback to peers.
- Final Essay: The quality of the final argumentative essay synthesizing lessons learned from the unit.
This workshop structure emphasizes reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing, while also encouraging students to engage with both historical and contemporary issues in U.S. foreign policy.