Unit 3: Age of Reason in American Literature (late 1770s to early 1800s)
During this unit students will study the Age of Reason in American history through literature. Students will learn how the split from the Church of England resulted in an emphasis on reason over the church as fact. A secondary result was of a strong feeling of American patriotism. The medium of this time was primarily political pamphlets, speeches, essays and documents. This was also a time of reform, as seen in The Declaration of Independence.Image Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Declaration_independence.jpg
What is the Age of Reason in American Literature and what is its relationship to America’s past and America’s future?
How does citing strong, thorough textual evidence support analysis of explicit and inferential thinking and also determine where the text leaves matters uncertain?
How do different authors with different perspectives treat similar themes or issues?
How does studying complex texts benefit the reader versus someone who reads simple texts?
How does a complex set of ideas develop over the course of the text?
How does an author’s purpose contribute to the power of the text through the use of rhetoric?Why might someone write routinely over a certain period of time?
Why might someone declare that it is essential to master grammar/ usage of the English language when speaking/writing?
How do students use digital media collaboratively to support their own and other’s learning?
What is the value of multiple interpretations of drama?
How does reflection support my learning?
