Unit 4 US History Part 1--Reading and Writing Workshop
Workshop OverviewThe purpose of this workshop is to deepen students' understanding of Colonial America and the early history of the 13 colonies. Through analyzing primary source readings, students will engage in critical thinking, close reading, and writing exercises.
Objective:
Materials Needed:
Reading 1: The Mayflower Compact (1620)Objective: To understand the early frameworks of governance in Colonial America.
Instructions:
Reading 2: John Winthrop's “A Model of Christian Charity” (1630)Objective: To explore the concept of the “City Upon a Hill” and the Puritan ideals that shaped New England.
Instructions:
Writing Task 1: Analyzing Early Colonial GovernanceObjective: To analyze how the Mayflower Compact and Winthrop’s sermon contributed to the formation of colonial governance.
Instructions:
Reading 3: The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)Objective: To understand the development of formal colonial governance in the early 1600s.
Instructions:
Reading 4: Excerpt from Benjamin Franklin’s “Autobiography” (1771)Objective: To explore the life and ideas of one of the most influential figures in colonial America.
Instructions:
Writing Task 2: Colonial America’s Challenges and OpportunitiesObjective: To analyze the challenges and opportunities that early American colonists faced.
Instructions:
Reading 5: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776)Objective: To explore the ideas leading to the American Revolution and the colonies’ shift towards independence.
Instructions:
Writing Task 3: A Call for IndependenceObjective: To understand the ideological shift leading to the Declaration of Independence.
Instructions:
Wrap-Up and Reflection:Objective: Reflect on the development of Colonial America and the founding ideas that would later lead to the American Revolution.
Instructions:
Assessment:
This workshop structure helps students engage with primary sources, critically analyze foundational documents, and develop their writing and reasoning skills about Colonial America.
Workshop OverviewThe purpose of this workshop is to deepen students' understanding of Colonial America and the early history of the 13 colonies. Through analyzing primary source readings, students will engage in critical thinking, close reading, and writing exercises.
Objective:
- Analyze key events, individuals, and developments in Colonial America.
- Understand the social, political, and economic dynamics of the 13 colonies.
- Synthesize historical information into written analysis.
Materials Needed:
- Copies of public domain readings (excerpts from works such as The Mayflower Compact, John Winthrop’s “City Upon a Hill”, The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, and writings from colonial figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine).
- Paper for responses
- Writing utensils
Reading 1: The Mayflower Compact (1620)Objective: To understand the early frameworks of governance in Colonial America.
Instructions:
- Read the excerpt from the Mayflower Compact aloud or silently.
- Key Focus: What principles did the signers of the Compact believe in? How did this document set the stage for self-governance in America?
- What was the purpose of the Mayflower Compact?
- How does the Compact reflect the need for unity and cooperation among the settlers?
- How does this document foreshadow the future development of American government?
Reading 2: John Winthrop's “A Model of Christian Charity” (1630)Objective: To explore the concept of the “City Upon a Hill” and the Puritan ideals that shaped New England.
Instructions:
- Read John Winthrop’s sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity.”
- Key Focus: Winthrop’s vision for the Puritan colony and his idea of a “City Upon a Hill” as a model for others.
- What is Winthrop’s vision for the Puritan colony?
- How does Winthrop describe the relationship between the settlers and God’s expectations for them?
- How does this vision align with the idea of American exceptionalism?
Writing Task 1: Analyzing Early Colonial GovernanceObjective: To analyze how the Mayflower Compact and Winthrop’s sermon contributed to the formation of colonial governance.
Instructions:
- After reading the two texts, write a short essay (1-2 paragraphs) that compares the key elements of governance outlined in the Mayflower Compact and Winthrop’s sermon.
- Consider: How did both documents stress the importance of unity? What role did religion play in governance?
Reading 3: The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)Objective: To understand the development of formal colonial governance in the early 1600s.
Instructions:
- Read excerpts from The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.
- Key Focus: Connecticut’s framework for governance, including elected officials, legislative bodies, and the power of the people.
- How do the Fundamental Orders reflect a more democratic form of governance than what had been seen in other colonies?
- What was the relationship between religion and government in Connecticut’s system?
Reading 4: Excerpt from Benjamin Franklin’s “Autobiography” (1771)Objective: To explore the life and ideas of one of the most influential figures in colonial America.
Instructions:
- Read an excerpt from Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography detailing his early life and the values that shaped his character.
- Key Focus: Franklin’s rise from humble beginnings, his self-reliance, and his contributions to colonial society.
- How did Franklin’s early life contribute to his views on personal responsibility and success?
- In what ways does Franklin’s story reflect the broader American colonial experience?
Writing Task 2: Colonial America’s Challenges and OpportunitiesObjective: To analyze the challenges and opportunities that early American colonists faced.
Instructions:
- After reading the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut and Franklin’s Autobiography, write a brief essay (1-2 paragraphs) discussing how early colonial governance and individuals like Franklin shaped the development of the colonies.
- Consider: What were some of the challenges that these colonies faced in terms of governance and society? How did they overcome them?
Reading 5: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776)Objective: To explore the ideas leading to the American Revolution and the colonies’ shift towards independence.
Instructions:
- Read an excerpt from Common Sense, focusing on Paine’s arguments for independence from Britain.
- Key Focus: Paine’s critique of monarchy and hereditary rule, and his vision for a republic.
- What are Paine’s main arguments in favor of independence?
- How does Paine address the relationship between Britain and the colonies?
- How did Paine’s writing resonate with colonial citizens who were on the fence about independence?
Writing Task 3: A Call for IndependenceObjective: To understand the ideological shift leading to the Declaration of Independence.
Instructions:
- Write a letter to a friend or relative in England, based on Paine’s Common Sense, arguing for independence from the British crown.
- Key Focus: Use persuasive language and key points from Paine’s pamphlet to convince your reader that separation from Britain is necessary.
Wrap-Up and Reflection:Objective: Reflect on the development of Colonial America and the founding ideas that would later lead to the American Revolution.
Instructions:
- Write a short reflection (1-2 paragraphs) on what you believe were the most significant ideas and actions taken in Colonial America that shaped the country’s path toward independence.
- Consider: How did early governance, personal philosophies, and the experience of the colonists contribute to the eventual desire for independence?
Assessment:
- Participation in reading and discussions.
- Completion and quality of writing tasks.
- Understanding of the readings and their historical significance.
This workshop structure helps students engage with primary sources, critically analyze foundational documents, and develop their writing and reasoning skills about Colonial America.