Civics Reading and Writing Workshop

Reading and Writing Workshop: The Role of the Media in Government
Objective:

• Explore historical texts that examine public opinion, government actions, and the role of the press.
• Analyze how these texts reflect the evolving relationship between media and government.
• Develop writing skills through opinion pieces and essays based on readings and contemporary media analysis.

Day 1: Introduction to the Media and Public Opinion
​Reading: Excerpts from The Federalist Papers (James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay)

• Focus: In these writings, the authors emphasize the importance of public opinion in a democratic society and the role of an informed citizenry.
• Activity:
  1. Read selected excerpts that discuss the role of the press in shaping public opinion (e.g., Federalist No. 10, which talks about factions and the role of public opinion).
  2. Discuss the connection between the press and public opinion in early America.
  3. Reflect on how these ideas are similar to or different from today's media environment.
• Writing Assignment: Write a short response (1-2 paragraphs) discussing how the media might shape public opinion in the context of the early American republic and compare it to today’s media.

Day 2: The Press and Government Accountability
Reading: Excerpts from The Right of the People to Keep and Bear Arms (from the U.S. Bill of Rights, Public Domain)

• Focus: Discuss how the press is intended to keep the government accountable through the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
• Activity:
  1. Read and analyze the First Amendment, focusing on its protection of freedom of speech and the press.
  2. Discuss historical examples of government action and the role of the press in ensuring transparency (e.g., the press' role during the Revolutionary War or in early American history).
  3. Connect the idea of the press as a "watchdog" to modern examples (e.g., Watergate).
• Writing Assignment: Write an opinion piece (1-2 paragraphs) about the importance of the free press in a democratic society and how it helps hold the government accountable.

Day 3: Media Bias in Historical Texts
Reading: Excerpts from Common Sense by Thomas Paine

• Focus: Examine how Paine used persuasive techniques to shape public opinion and the role of pamphlets and print media in Revolutionary America.
• Activity:
  1. Read selected excerpts from Common Sense (e.g., Paine’s arguments for independence and the critique of monarchy).
  2. Discuss how Paine framed the issues and appealed to the public through media.
  3. Compare Paine’s pamphlet to modern examples of media persuasion (e.g., political ads, social media posts).
• Writing Assignment: Write a critical analysis (1-2 paragraphs) of Paine’s persuasive techniques. How might these techniques influence public opinion today, and what are the risks of such persuasive media?

Day 4: Media’s Influence on Elections
Reading: Excerpts from The Gettysburg Address (Abraham Lincoln)

• Focus: Explore how Lincoln used speech to shape public opinion during a pivotal moment in American history, emphasizing the role of political rhetoric in guiding the public.
• Activity:
  1. Read and analyze the Gettysburg Address, focusing on how Lincoln appeals to the public’s emotions and sense of national unity.
  2. Discuss how speeches and media coverage can shape elections and public opinion, then compare to modern political speeches and media campaigns.
• Writing Assignment: Write a persuasive speech (1-2 paragraphs) as if you were a candidate running for office, using techniques from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to persuade the public on a current issue.

Day 5: The Role of Media in Contemporary Society and Writing Reflection
Reading: Excerpts from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (focused on the public’s right to information and the importance of free speech)

• Focus: Explore Franklin’s views on public access to information and how they relate to modern media’s role in informing citizens about government actions.
• Activity:
  1. Read Franklin’s reflections on the public’s role in governance, focusing on his belief in an informed citizenry.
  2. Discuss how the press (then and now) contributes to this concept of an informed society.
  3. Use Franklin’s ideas to reflect on the importance of critical media consumption today.
• Writing Assignment: Write an essay (2-3 paragraphs) explaining how media plays a role in educating the public and shaping their understanding of government. Use historical examples (such as Paine’s pamphlets or Franklin’s beliefs) to support your argument.

Wrap-Up and Final Project: Media in Democracy
​Activity: Group discussion and peer feedback

• Students will discuss their writing, focusing on how they have analyzed the role of media in shaping public opinion and holding the government accountable.
• Peer feedback will be provided for opinion pieces, persuasive speeches, and essays.

Final Project: Write a 3-4 page essay (or series of blog posts if using digital platforms) on the role of media in government, drawing on the readings from the workshop. Include analysis of how media shapes public opinion, influences elections, and holds the government accountable.

Assessment:

• Formative: Daily writing assignments, group discussions, and participation in peer feedback.
• Summative: Final essay or series of blog posts about the role of media in government, incorporating insights from the readings.

This workshop allows students to connect historical writings on government and public opinion with the role of modern media. Through these readings, activities, and writing assignments, students will enhance their critical thinking, writing, and media literacy skills.