The Declaration of Independence--Jefferson
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Reading and Writing Workshop
Voices of Independence: A Reading and Writing Workshop on the Declaration of Independence
Overview
This workshop explores the historical context, literary structure, and political philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence. Through close reading, analysis, and creative writing, participants will engage with the document’s language, influence, and enduring legacy.
Session 1: Understanding the Historical Context
Focus: Causes of the American Revolution and Enlightenment thought
Session 2: Analyzing the Structure and Language
Focus: Jefferson’s rhetorical style and persuasive strategies
Session 3: The Grievances Against the King
Focus: Political and legal claims in the body of the Declaration
Session 4: The Global Legacy of the Declaration
Focus: Influence of Jefferson’s ideas on later movements
Session 5: Writing Your Own Declaration
Focus: Synthesizing rhetorical and historical understanding
Overview
This workshop explores the historical context, literary structure, and political philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence. Through close reading, analysis, and creative writing, participants will engage with the document’s language, influence, and enduring legacy.
Session 1: Understanding the Historical Context
Focus: Causes of the American Revolution and Enlightenment thought
- Reading:
- Declaration of Independence (1776), Thomas Jefferson
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript - Common Sense (1776), Thomas Paine
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/147
- Declaration of Independence (1776), Thomas Jefferson
- Writing Activity:
Write a journal entry from the perspective of a colonial American in 1776 reacting to either Common Sense or the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Session 2: Analyzing the Structure and Language
Focus: Jefferson’s rhetorical style and persuasive strategies
- Reading:
- Declaration of Independence (focus on the preamble and grievances)
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript - Aristotle’s Rhetoric (translated by W. Rhys Roberts) – excerpt on ethos, pathos, logos
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6762
- Declaration of Independence (focus on the preamble and grievances)
- Writing Activity:
Analyze how Jefferson uses ethos, pathos, and logos in the Declaration. Then write a modern “declaration” modeled after Jefferson’s structure about an issue you are passionate about.
Session 3: The Grievances Against the King
Focus: Political and legal claims in the body of the Declaration
- Reading:
- Declaration of Independence (middle section listing grievances)
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript - Two Treatises of Government (1689), John Locke – Excerpt on natural rights and social contract
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7370
- Declaration of Independence (middle section listing grievances)
- Writing Activity:
Choose three grievances and reframe them in today’s context. Write a persuasive letter using Jefferson’s tone and Locke’s philosophy.
Session 4: The Global Legacy of the Declaration
Focus: Influence of Jefferson’s ideas on later movements
- Reading:
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/rightsof.asp - Haitian Declaration of Independence (1804)
https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/1804Haiti-independence.asp
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)
- Writing Activity:
Compare and contrast Jefferson’s Declaration with one of the above. Write a comparative analysis essay or a speech imagining Jefferson’s reaction to global uses of his document.
Session 5: Writing Your Own Declaration
Focus: Synthesizing rhetorical and historical understanding
- Reading:
- Review Jefferson’s full Declaration of Independence
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript - Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (1863)
https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbpe.24404400/?sp=1
- Review Jefferson’s full Declaration of Independence
- Writing Activity:
Create your own “Declaration” of beliefs, rights, or reforms. Follow Jefferson’s structure (preamble, philosophy of government, grievances, conclusion) and share it in a group reading.