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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that while the physical conditions of their life may differ dramatically from people who lived two centuries ago, the intellectual concerns of citizens often show great similarities. Students will explore the primary document, a 1813 book of notes from a literary society. Using the text tool on the American Centuries website, students will identify statements that members of the literary society debated. By the end of the activity, students will have explored historical concerns and compared them to the concerns of modern citizens.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
The teacher will introduce the Ladies' Literary Society with brief information about the role of these groups in history. Students will have the opportunity to view and explore the primary source document, with particular attention to normal and text views.
Step 2.
Students will each be assigned at least one of the topics of discussion to investigate. For example, "Can a state of equality exist in Society? Negative" or "Is fashion productive of more good than evil? Affirmative"
Step 3.
In their own journal, students will respond in the affirmative or negative to one of the specific topics in the primary source. They will craft a 3-5 sentence response justifying their opinion.
Step 4.
Students will share their statement and response with the rest of the class. A vote in the class will determine the class society's vote, and the results will be recorded.
Step 5.
A brief class discussion should follow. Students and teachers should note any differences or similarities in attitudes from 1813 to the present day. Teachers should be clear to point out that many intellectual concerns remain relevant to modern citizens.
Step 6.
As an extension activity, teachers may have students choose one of the statements and write a formal personal opinion essay about the topic.
Step 7.
If time permits, or as an introductory activity, a teacher may begin with an investigation into how clothing has changed, using the Dress Up interactive tool on the American Centuries site. The contrast between the physicial and the intellectual is the the crux of this activity, and presenting this explicitly may help underscore the importance of looking beyond lifestyle in historical investigation.
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