We Hold These Truths to Be Self Evident: Analyzing the Declaration of Independence

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Resource Type

Keywords

Thomas Jefferson Ken Burns Declaration of Independence Amanda Gorman Lyrical Analysis Poetic Analysis Equality Liberty The Hill We Climb Jeffersonian character poetry literary analysis President Jefferson Enlightenment political philosophy Jeffersonian philosophy we hold these truths to be self-evident slavery John Adams American ideals American identity American values American spirit individual rights inalienable rights human rights all men are created equal life liberty pursuit of happiness American creed legacy Jeffersonian legacy Jefferson's life Monticello Antebellum Antebellum Period Civil War secession

Subjects

English-Language Arts History-Social Science

Grade Levels

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Audience

Classroom Teacher / Educator

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We Hold These Truths to Be Self Evident: Analyzing the Declaration of Independence

Students will examine, analyze and critique The Declaration of Independence, along with song lyrics and the poem Amanda Gorman read at President Biden’s inaugural address, to reflect on the power of words in our country. Students will reflect on ways that ideas and words used to express equality and liberty during the time the Declaration of Independence was written may have had a different meaning in society than they do today. This lesson could empower students to reflect on the power of their own words and ideas on equality and freedom.

Publisher

PBS Learning Media