Lesson by Tim Bailey
Essay by Jeffrey A. Engel, Southern Methodist University
Grade Level: 7–12
Number of Class Periods: 2–4
Primary Era: 1945 to the Present
About This Lesson Plan Unit
Over the course of four lessons the students will analyze the text of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Farewell Address to the Nation, given on January 17, 1961. They will “read like a detective” to discover, explain, and evaluate the meaning and importance of President Eisenhower’s address by acquiring a proficient understanding of what is explicitly stated, drawing logical inferences, and demonstrating these skills by writing succinct summaries and then restating the summaries in their own words. As a closure and summary activity, the students will compose an analytical essay that assesses President Eisenhower’s arguments and conclusions supported by evidence from the text.
Lesson Plan Author: Tim Bailey
Historical Background Essay by: Jeffrey A. Engel, Southern Methodist University
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6: Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.8: Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.8: Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support the author’s claims.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
President Eisenhower identified a number of serious issues in America’s future. What are these issues and which did he argue was the most dangerous?
What did President Eisenhower mean when he said that the military was “a vital element” while being capable of “unwarranted influence”?
President Eisenhower frequently supported keeping key issues in “balance.” What does “balance” mean in this context? How is that perception manifested in this speech?
Documents
Documents
President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Farewell Address to the Nation, January 17, 1961
Eisenhower’s Farewell Address to the Nation video broadcast