CIRCLE UP!
Rhetorical Discourse Mini-Project Share-Out
What did you do for your project? What was the message? Show us!
Which appeals did your project contain?
What is something that you have learned about effective rhetoric from playing around with discourse?
Deadline extended until midnight tonight to finish up project and reflection questions!
Rhetorical Case Study: How should US History be taught in schools?
- Please make a copy of this document to use for the rest of the week!
- Seminar next Monday on the texts and the topics
- TODAY: launch inquiry; react to news/prewrite; What is critical race theory and what is the controversy?
This week, we will begin to examine the rhetoric on both sides of a divisive and controversial issue: the question of how US History should be taught in schools and the controversy surrounding “Critical Race Theory” and related ideas. We will be consuming media for the next few days and culminating in a seminar on Friday on the topic.
KEY QUESTIONS:
What is critical race theory?
Is it being taught in schools?
Should it be?
What are the motives and values on both sides of this issue?
How should America’s history be taught to young people?
To what degree should we be taking a critical lens to issues of racism and systemic oppression (in the past and the present)?
How is rhetoric shaping this issue?
IN OUR LOCAL NEWS!
Montezuma-Cortez School Board passes resolution opposing critical race theory (The Journal, September 23, 2021)
1. CRT Controversy Pre-write (One solid paragraph): Before beginning to research the rhetoric of the case, where do you think you find yourself on this issue? What do you think about the School Board decision in Montezuma-Cortez? Where do you think your opinions and values on this topic come from? What experiences or exposure to rhetoric have formed your opinions?
2. WHAT IS HAPPENING? What is the Controversy?
Donald Trump announces Patriotic Education Commission (September 2020)
Why Americans are so divided over teaching critical race theory (PBS Newshour June 24, 2021)
What is Critical Race Theory and Why is it Under Attack? (Education Week, May 18, 2021)
Answer the following questions:
To the best of your ability, explain “critical race theory” and the controversy surrounding the perception that it is being taught in schools.
What questions do you have at this point?