WHY LOUISIANA AIN'T MISSISSIPPI... OR ANY PLACE ELSE!

OBJECTIVES

1. Students will learn how to properly prepare for and present Argumentative Essays with proper support.
2. Students will apply appropriate vocabulary in context, while also using proper grammar and punctuation.
3. Students will learn how to debate issues properly using evidence.
4. Students will learn about Huey P. Long and the legacy he left in Louisiana and the US by analyzing Louisiana politics and Long’s role in it.

EDUCATION STANDARDS: SOCIAL STUDIES, ELA

• Louisiana Social Studies Standards: 8.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.12h
• Louisiana English Language Arts Standards: Reading Informational Text: 8.1, 8.4, 8.6, 8.8, Writing: 8.1(a-e), 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9(a-b), Speaking/Listening: 8.1(a-d), 8.3, 8.4,Language: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3a, 8.4(a-d), 8.6

MEDIA RESOURCES & WEBSITES

• Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi... Or Anyplace Else Video Clip
  • Argumentative Writing
• Reading Material
  • How to Conduct a Socratic Seminar
  • List of Long's Speeches

MATERIALS NEEDED

Internet, Computers

List of Long's Speeches

How to Conduct a Socratic Seminar

SUGGESTED TIME

1. Students will need three 45-minute class periods to read, research, prepare arguments, and write argumentative essays.
2. Students will need five 45-minute class periods to read, research, and prepare arguments to debate.
3. Students will need time to read, research, and study the life and professional history of Huey P. Long.

VERIFICATION
Checks for Understanding-Participation in class conversation & debate, student’s final product.

ACTIVITY/LESSON

Argumentative Essay

1. Students will need to read or class read together one or two of the speeches of Huey P. Long and as a class or in groups.

2. Students will need to discuss in small groups or the class as a whole, the arguments presented in the speeches. A good way to discuss this may be done through Socratic Seminar. Focus on how Long supports his arguments. Does he provide evidence to support claims?

3. Students each select an issue to create an argumentative essay about. Students must take a firm stance or opinion on the one particular issue they select. The issue may be related to the Long speeches or students may want to focus on something they are currently dealing with in school or at home.

4. Remind students that solid evidence must be provided to support their claims. They may want to look back at one or more of the speeches to get guidance on the structure of an argumentative essay.

VOCABULARY