Description
Here is my introduction to my Civil Rights: Human Rights unit in AP English & Language Composition. This is actually more of a "bundle," as you will see from reading this description, but I thought it would be better to include everything you need right here in one click.
I start out with an embedded video performance from 1976, and ask the students a Rhetorical Analysis question to get them thinking about the themes central to civil rights.
I have linked a google doc of my Original Civil Rights AP Synthesis Essay assignment, with all the details and grading requirements. The essay prompt and design model that used on the actual AP exam.
There is a very engaging book about racism and anti-racism (2020 New York Times Best seller) and I have linked the full text of it here in this presentation. I have students read the first chapter in class on day one of this unit (It's actually on Podcast so you can listen to it together) and then they can continue to read the book and use it for reference throughout the civil rights unit study. I like to assign a couple chapters and give them specific notes to take. It's an excellent, fresh and high-school student focused read.
Also I have created a unique individual (or group) student presentation project and have explained it here in these google slides via a personal video from me and the detailed linked Google Doc of the assignment. I ask students to incorporate elements such as discussion of exigence, purpose, tone, theme and other rhetorical devices as they "teach" the class by referring to a civil rights themed piece of their choice. I also am including a list of at least 25 possible selections (all linked) from which to choose for their central work.
Additionally, I came up with an original synthesis essay prompt and have included the linked google doc to that here. In sum, I ask the students to choose 4-6 pieces from our civil rights unit and to answer 1 of 2 possible questions, in the form of an AP Synthesis Essay response. All details are included here.
Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem fits perfectly into this unit in AP, and it prompts students to really uncover how use of rhetorical strategies effects the audience. I have created a detailed analysis of the poem, along with unique higher level analytical questions and a key, and you can check that out Right Here.
See my College-Board approved year long syllabus, with extensive detailed AP Language course content (Syllabus Here). It is 16 pages, ultra-detailed, aligned with all anchors and includes all content links so it is fully remote. I also include the College Board code number, so that you can claim the syllabus and implement it in your class.
p.s. If you like using songs to teach ELA, I've created a full course elective called "The Literature of Music"here</a> or see some of the individual units:
Graphic Organizer for Analyzing Songs
Youtube Ambience Blackout Poetry
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Youtube Ambience Poetry Activity
Lyrics as Poetry Assignment and Rubric
Elvis Movie Soundtrack Assignment
Any questions? Just ask and I will respond promptly.
Find over 250 time-saving resourcesIn My Store Here</a>.
Follow me to receive one email with one free resource a month!
Find me on Instagram @teachingwithdebbie or myblog</a>.
AP Language Civil Rights Unit: Detailed student essay & presentation assignment
Highlights
Description
Here is my introduction to my Civil Rights: Human Rights unit in AP English & Language Composition. This is actually more of a "bundle," as you will see from reading this description, but I thought it would be better to include everything you need right here in one click.
I start out with an embedded video performance from 1976, and ask the students a Rhetorical Analysis question to get them thinking about the themes central to civil rights.
I have linked a google doc of my Original Civil Rights AP Synthesis Essay assignment, with all the details and grading requirements. The essay prompt and design model that used on the actual AP exam.
There is a very engaging book about racism and anti-racism (2020 New York Times Best seller) and I have linked the full text of it here in this presentation. I have students read the first chapter in class on day one of this unit (It's actually on Podcast so you can listen to it together) and then they can continue to read the book and use it for reference throughout the civil rights unit study. I like to assign a couple chapters and give them specific notes to take. It's an excellent, fresh and high-school student focused read.
Also I have created a unique individual (or group) student presentation project and have explained it here in these google slides via a personal video from me and the detailed linked Google Doc of the assignment. I ask students to incorporate elements such as discussion of exigence, purpose, tone, theme and other rhetorical devices as they "teach" the class by referring to a civil rights themed piece of their choice. I also am including a list of at least 25 possible selections (all linked) from which to choose for their central work.
Additionally, I came up with an original synthesis essay prompt and have included the linked google doc to that here. In sum, I ask the students to choose 4-6 pieces from our civil rights unit and to answer 1 of 2 possible questions, in the form of an AP Synthesis Essay response. All details are included here.
Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem fits perfectly into this unit in AP, and it prompts students to really uncover how use of rhetorical strategies effects the audience. I have created a detailed analysis of the poem, along with unique higher level analytical questions and a key, and you can check that out Right Here.
See my College-Board approved year long syllabus, with extensive detailed AP Language course content (Syllabus Here). It is 16 pages, ultra-detailed, aligned with all anchors and includes all content links so it is fully remote. I also include the College Board code number, so that you can claim the syllabus and implement it in your class.
p.s. If you like using songs to teach ELA, I've created a full course elective called "The Literature of Music"here</a> or see some of the individual units:
Graphic Organizer for Analyzing Songs
Youtube Ambience Blackout Poetry
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Youtube Ambience Poetry Activity
Lyrics as Poetry Assignment and Rubric
Elvis Movie Soundtrack Assignment
Any questions? Just ask and I will respond promptly.
Find over 250 time-saving resourcesIn My Store Here</a>.
Follow me to receive one email with one free resource a month!
Find me on Instagram @teachingwithdebbie or myblog</a>.
