Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Subject: American History, Government, Civics

Grade Level: 11-12 (due to historical context and political themes)

Time Allotment: 3-4 weeks

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the arguments for American independence presented in "Common Sense."
  • Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Paine, such as rhetorical appeals and persuasive language.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the historical context surrounding the publication of "Common Sense" and its impact on the American Revolution.
  • Students will be able to discuss the themes of natural rights, government by consent, and the dangers of monarchy.
  • Students will be able to analyze the ongoing relevance of Paine's ideas to contemporary discussions about government and liberty.

Materials:

  • Copies of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine (consider both original text and modernized versions for easier reading)
  • Whiteboard/Projector
  • Markers/Pens
  • Chart paper or handout for note-taking
  • Map of colonial America (optional)
  • Images depicting key figures of the American Revolution (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and The Road to Revolution

  1. Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about the causes of the American Revolution. Elicit responses and discuss the growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain. Consider showing a map of colonial America (optional).
  2. Thomas Paine and Common Sense: Introduce Thomas Paine as a recent arrival to the colonies and the author of "Common Sense," a pamphlet that became a powerful advocate for American independence.

Weeks 2-3: Arguments for Independence

  1. Reading and Analyzing: Divide "Common Sense" into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on Paine's arguments against British rule, his vision for a new government, and his appeals to reason and liberty.
  2. Rhetorical Devices: Analyze Paine's use of rhetorical devices such as logos (appeals to logic), pathos (appeals to emotion), and ethos (appeals to credibility) to persuade readers to support independence.
  3. Natural Rights and Monarchy: Discuss Paine's ideas about natural rights and the dangers of hereditary monarchy. How does he connect these concepts to justify American independence? Consider images depicting key figures of the American Revolution (optional).

Week 4: Impact and Legacy

  1. Historical Context: Analyze the historical context surrounding the publication of "Common Sense" and its impact on public opinion in the colonies.
  2. From Pamphlet to Revolution: Discuss how "Common Sense" helped to unify colonists behind the cause of independence and contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution.
  3. Enduring Relevance: Debate the ongoing relevance of Paine's ideas in contemporary discussions about government, liberty, and the role of citizens.

Optional Week (if time permits):

  1. Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a persuasive essay from the perspective of a colonist either for or against independence, creating a mock debate between a Loyalist and a Patriot, or writing a modern-day "Common Sense" addressing a current political issue.
  2. Research Project: Students can research the lives and contributions of other key figures in the American Revolution and compare their perspectives on independence with Paine's ideas.

Differentiation:

  • Provide pre-reading activities, chapter summaries, or modernized versions of "Common Sense" for struggling readers.
  • Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching the Enlightenment ideals that influenced Paine's writing or comparing "Common Sense" with other political pamphlets from the Revolutionary era.
  • Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., auditory learners can participate in a mock reading and debate activity)

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and debates
  • Quality of notes, presentations, and creative responses (if applicable)
  • Analysis of Paine's arguments, rhetorical devices, and historical context
  • Essay writing (optional) on a topic related to the themes of "Common Sense"

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the concept of social contract theory and its role in justifying revolution.
  • Students can compare and contrast the American Revolution with other revolutions throughout history.
  • Students can analyze contemporary political speeches or writings and identify the use of rhetorical devices similar to Paine's.