1. Welcome Reminders: Did you turn in your “One Word”?
Did you get your syllabus signed? (Turn it in if “Yes”.)
Do you have your independent reading (IR) with you?

2. Intro Unit 2: The Power of Persuasion
Journal (150 word minimum goal)
Many of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speeches inspired a nation during difficult times. Why is it important for great leaders to be persuasive speakers?

3. What is persuasion? Why is the understanding of this idea important?
Have you ever considered the dream that has burned within Americans since they first set foot on this land?
Vital to the continuation of this dream and at the heart of our democracy is persuasive, free speech. America’s tradition of open debate and lively free speech was established in the early period of the fight for independence from British rule.
Before that, the founding settlers had established the basis for a literate, democratic society in its schools and system of justice.
By exploring a contemporary drama set in Puritan New England— The Crucible— you will see how authors and playwrights like Arthur Miller use literature to further a social message. During the second half of the unit, your study of historic American speeches will provide you with an opportunity to analyze models of effective persuasive speech in preparation for writing and delivering an original speech.

4. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”
Copy into Vocabulary Section of your notebook
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

5. Who were the Puritans and why are they important to American Literature?
The Puritans had a large influence in American literature and still influence moral judgment and religious beliefs in the United States to this day. Puritan writing was used to glorify God and to relate God more directly to our world.
Puritans lived a simple life based on the concepts of humility and simplicity. This influence comes from their religious beliefs and the Bible. Wearing elaborate clothing or having conceited thoughts offended Puritans. Puritan writing mimics these cultural values in its plain writing style.
Puritans were English Protestants who were committed to "purifying" the Church of England by eliminating all aspects of Catholicism from religious practices.