The following curriculum materials are designed to be used with the Achievement Television program Advocacy and Citizenship. VHS tapes of the program can be ordered through the Gift Shop of the Academy of Achievement web site.
Program Overview
In this first program module, moderator, Sam Donaldson, introduces the guest panelists
describing how each has advocated for what they believe is right. In the discussion
that follows, panelists use their personal experiences to explore how advocacy and
citizenship are affected by a persons integrity and character. Donaldson challenges
panelists to identify why some advocates are able to persevere against great odds
while others fail. Panelists discuss sources of courage and the strength needed to
keep going and do the right thing even when the price to pay is high.
Viewing/Facilitation Strategies
Introduce the Pre-Viewing Activity to the entire class. After students do their
quick-writes, allow time for them to share their ideas.
Review the profiles of the guest panelists and discuss each personps training
and achievements. Discuss terms.
View Module I and if time allows, immediately break into groups for the collaborative
discussion activity.
During a following class period, have the telecast available for review. Ask
students to select a Curriculum Connections Activity to complete independently or
with a partner.
Assign the research project as a class requirement or as an optional independent
project.
Student Activities
Pre-Viewing Activity:
After a class discussion about what advocacy means and what it takes to be a successful
advocate, students make a quick write list of the things they feel they could advocate
for or against. They identify someone they believe to be a successful advocate.
Group Activity
Students conduct a group Talk Back session using a quote from one of the guest panelists.
They share their ideas with another group or the entire class.
Student Academic Standards
Understands the effects of author's style and literary devices and techniques on the overall quality of a work
Uses language and perspectives of literary criticism to evaluate literary works
Uses precise and descriptive language that clarifies and enhances ideas and supports different purposes
Curriculum Connections Activities
Science: Tribute to Dr. Linus Pauling
History/Geography: Sites of Courage
Current Events: Front Page News
Research Project
Students conduct research on two or more famous advocates to examine the importance
of integrity and character. They compare and contrast how these advocates found the
courage to persevere using the format of a research paper or a multimedia presentation.
