1. FREEDOM AND EQUALITY
English 3
September 2017

2. QUICKWRITE
The Declaration of Independence (1776) touts American freedom from British rule.
Take 5 minutes to write down:
what you think FREEDOM and EQUALITY mean to you. Do you think FREEDOM and EQUALITY mean the same thing to each person, or do you think it can be different?
What does FREEDOM and EQUALITY have to do with the idea of the American Dream?

3. DEFINE
Freedom: “the power or right to speak, act or think as one wants without hindrance”
Equality: “the state of being equal, especially in rights, status and opportunities”
The American Dream: “the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative”
Are we still fighting for freedom and equality today? Give examples of current issues in which a person(s) freedom and equality are in question.

4. “Let America Be America Again” (1935)
After we read Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again” take a moment to answer the following:
Does Langston Hughes believe in the American Dream? Why or why not? Find two quotes that support your assertion and compose a thoughtful response. In your journal.
Langston Hughes
“Let America Be America Again” (1935)

5. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS and TEXTS
Fall Semester:
What happens when two different belief systems collide?
How can belief systems be used as tools of persuasion?
Can controversial actions be justified by one’s belief system?
Whose belief system should dictate the rules of society?
How do belief systems change as new generations develop their own identities?
Is the archetype of change part of the evolutionary process?
Second Quarter Texts:
“The Speech in the Virginia Convention” by Patrick Henry
“The Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson
The Crucible Arthur Miller

6. FREEDOM AND EQUALITY ARE STILL BEING FOUGHT FOR IN AMERICA
Some would argue that the following are examples of how we are still defining freedom and equality in America:
Gay Marriage and LGBTQ issues.
Race:
ex: Trevon Martin, Michael Brown, Baltimore Riots, Immigration, Police violence
Women’s reproductive rights
Food (our last unit!)