12.8 – Module Project and Reflection
Past and Present Flags as Powerful Symbols
Module 12 Project: Flags as Powerful Symbols Reader’s Theater
1) Look at this early photograph taken during the Civil War. This Confederate (Southern) soldier is holding a Confederate flag. Certain images and symbols from the past are still used and shown in the present, and people may have different reactions when they see them. For example, some people still display the Confederate flag (or images of the Confederate flag) today, causing strong emotional reactions in others who feel it represents historical support of slavery in the United States.
2) The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol and you have seen it displayed in many ways. However, what if someone is really upset about something? Can this people use the flag in a way to show their anger? Could people even burn the flag to make their point? This last question was actually decided by the United States Supreme Court. In 1984, a man named Gregory Johnson joined a political protest in Dallas, Texas. He carried an American flag. When the protest ended, he set the flag on fire to show anger at the government.
3) Think about what you know about the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Remember, the Supreme Court’s role is to decide if certain actions are constitutional (allowed) or unconstitutional (not allowed).
- In a real case, the court had to decide if burning the flag was constitutional or not.
- To review this case, YOU are going to “become” the people that were involved. Look at the Module 12 Project: Reader’s Theater handout. Volunteer for one of the roles listed at the top! Review the “background and instructions” on the worksheet and remember to speak slowly, clearly, and loud enough for everyone in class to hear.
4) When finished with the Reader’s Theater, discuss the following questions as a class:
- Were you surprised by the Supreme Court’s decision?
- What amendment protects the right to burn the flag? That amendment is part of the first ten amendments to the Constitution. What are those 10 amendments called?
- Think about this question that was raised at the end of the Reader’s Theater… Should the law protect the flag or should freedom of expression always come first?
Optional Module 12 Project: Design a T-Shirt
Big Questions
We are at the end of Module 12! Based on your learning, how would you answer these questions?
Do a 3-5-minute “quick write” about one or more of the questions below OR be prepared to discuss one or more of them.
Question #1: What are some causes of civil wars around the globe?
Question #2: How do individuals, communities, and governments help heal the country after a civil war?
Question #3: Is the U.S. still fighting its civil war?
Extend Your Learning!
Exercise A – Lincoln’s Speech
Read a part of a famous speech given by Abraham Lincoln in 1858. This was before Lincoln became president and before the Civil War started. After you have read the speech, answer the questions below.
- What does Lincoln mean by “a house divided”? What could he be talking about?
- Lincoln thought the country had two choices in 1858. What were these two choices?
Exercise B – U.S. North or South: Differences Before the Civil War
Before the Civil War, the Northern and Southern states were very different from each other. For example, the Northern economy WAS NOT strongly based on slavery, and the Southern economy WAS strongly based on slavery.
Read the questions below to decide if that item best describes the Northern states or the Southern states. Use the information you know or what you think might be correct from what you learned in Module 12.
- Which region, North or South, was more urban (had more cities) and had a larger population?
- Which region, North or South, was more agricultural (had more farms) and had plantations that grew crops such as cotton, tobacco, and rice?
- Which region, North or South, had more industry and manufacturing, and more people working in business and transportation?
- Which region, North or South, had most of the country’s canals and railroads?
ANSWERS: 1. North; 2. South; 3. North; 4. North
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