Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

Subject: Social Studies (Civics, Government) or Literature (American Literature)

Grade Level: 11-12 (Note: The essay's complexity and political themes make it appropriate for more mature students)

Time Allotment: 3-4 weeks (This can be adjusted based on class time and desired depth of study)

Learning Objectives:

Students will analyze the historical context of Thoreau's essay, focusing on his opposition to slavery and the Mexican-American War.
Students will understand Thoreau's concept of a "just" government and the ethical obligation of citizens to disobey unjust laws.
Students will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Thoreau's arguments for civil disobedience.
Students will identify and analyze key literary devices used by Thoreau, such as metaphor and analogy.
Students will participate in class discussions and debates on the role of government, individual conscience, and peaceful protest.

Materials:

Copies of "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau (annotated version recommended)
Whiteboard or projector
Markers or pens
Handouts for activities and assignments (historical context timeline, key quote analysis worksheets, debate topics)
Access to online resources on the history of slavery and the Mexican-American War (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and Historical Context

Introduction: Introduce Henry David Thoreau and the essay "Civil Disobedience." Briefly discuss Transcendentalism and its emphasis on self-reliance and individual conscience.
Historical Context: Provide students with background information on the issues that motivated Thoreau's essay, such as slavery and the Mexican-American War. Discuss the concept of abolitionism and the growing dissent against these issues in the mid-19th century.

Activities:

Students can create a timeline of key events leading up to the publication of "Civil Disobedience."
Research and present on a specific figure or event related to the abolitionist movement or the Mexican-American War.

Week 2: Close Reading and Key Concepts

Close Reading: Begin a close reading of "Civil Disobedience," focusing on key passages that define a "just" government and the importance of individual conscience.
Thoreau's Arguments: Analyze Thoreau's concept of civil disobedience and the methods he advocates for (e.g., refusing to pay taxes, non-violent resistance). Discuss the ethical implications of disobeying the law.

Activities:

Students can identify and annotate key quotes from the essay that represent Thoreau's central arguments.
In pairs, students can analyze a specific passage and discuss its meaning and significance in the context of the essay.

Week 3: Literary Devices and Rhetorical Strategies

Literary Devices: Analyze how Thoreau uses literary devices like metaphor, analogy, and rhetorical questions to persuade his audience.
Rhetorical Strategies: Discuss how Thoreau uses appeals to reason, emotion, and logic to strengthen his arguments.

Activities:

Students can identify and explain specific examples of metaphors or analogies used by Thoreau.
As a class, discuss the effectiveness of Thoreau's rhetorical strategies in conveying his message.

Week 4: Debate and Reflection

Debate: Divide the class into two sides and hold a debate on the merits of civil disobedience. One side can argue for Thoreau's approach, while the other can present counter-arguments about the importance of law and order.
Reflection: After the debate, have students reflect on the essay's relevance today. Can civil disobedience be a justified response to contemporary injustices?

Activities:

Students can research and prepare arguments for the debate, citing evidence from the essay and historical examples.
Write a persuasive essay expressing their own opinion on the role of civil disobedience in a democracy.

Differentiation:

Provide scaffolding and support for struggling readers through annotated versions of the text, vocabulary lists, and guided reading questions.
Challenge advanced students with deeper analysis of literary devices and the influence of Transcendentalism on Thoreau's writing.
Offer alternative assessment options for students who struggle with traditional essays, such as creating a visual representation of a key concept or writing a letter to a historical figure.

Assessment:

Note: This lesson plan is a framework and can be adapted to fit the specific needs of your class and the time available.