Rhetoric of Revolution
Lesson Plan Production Details
Goals and Questions
In times of significant political unrest and social inequality, the powerful rhetoric of talented speakers has often sparked revolutions. Such rhetoric has historically intertwined with the struggles of marginalized communities, particularly people of color, who have used persuasive language to resist oppression from governmental and societal forces. Figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X played pivotal roles in the civil rights movements of the 1960s and beyond through their speeches.
This two-week lesson plan (or unit) aims to, first, define rhetoric and, second, explore its historical significance in combating oppression and effecting tangible change. Additionally, the lesson plan provides students with tools to enhance their own rhetorical writing skills.
Through this lesson plan, students discuss rhetoric's purpose and historical context, particularly its centrality within African American and South Asian communities. Furthermore, they critically examine the boundaries and potential limitations of rhetorical strategies. This exploration also prompts questions about the transition from passive resistance to active participation in movements directed towards racial and social justice, including the necessity of taking to the streets to confront injustices head-on.
Usage and Week-by-Week Layout of Lesson Plan
Overview
This lesson plan is designed for high-school-level students. Based on how the readings and writing assignments are scaffolded, the lesson plan could be appropriate for a 9-12th grade range, but would be especially useful in upper-level high school classrooms. (Note: This guide [PDF] shows how one may approach changing the current standards for this lesson plan into a different grade-level than the current standards set at the 10th grade level.)
Currently structured for two weeks, this lesson plan has the flexibility for expansion by incorporating additional activities, such as writing a speech or essay using rhetorical strategies and delving deeper into the suggested readings. Conversely, the lesson plan could be streamlined into a one-week format if the emphasis shifted towards defining rhetoric and providing a few examples rather than how to implement rhetoric into one's writing practices. The versatile nature of this lesson plan allows for customization based on the depth of exploration desired within the given timeframe.
Week One: What Is Rhetoric and Why Does it Matter?
In the first week of this course, students delve into the fundamental concepts of rhetoric and its indispensable role in driving social change. Through interactive discussions and curated resources, students develop a solid understanding of rhetorical strategies and their historical significance.
To kickstart this exploration, students engage with the article “What is Rhetoric?” which offers a comprehensive yet accessible overview of rhetorical principles and their evolution over time. Additionally, a TED talk focusing on the application of rhetoric not only reinforces these concepts, but also seeks to inspire students by showcasing real-world examples of rhetoric in action.
Furthermore, this week features discussions on race relations in the United States, particularly highlighting the pivotal role of Martin Luther King Jr. in utilizing rhetoric to effectuate tangible change during the civil rights movement. Students analyze King's rhetorical strategies and their impact, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the potential of rhetoric as a tool for activism.
Moreover, the week explores the perspectives of Malcolm X, whose more radical approach provides a contrasting viewpoint to King's strategies. Students also look at philosopher Angela Davis and the rhetorical tactics she used to enact social change slightly after King and X’s time. This comparative analysis seeks to prompt discussions on the various tools and approaches that can complement rhetoric in the pursuit of social change.
Below are the selected Nebraska English Language Arts (ELA) standards for the tenth grade that are implemented within this lesson. Further information can be found at the Nebraska ELA Standards website. The Common Core ELA standards counterparts of the Nebraska ELA standards can be found within this document (PDF) provided by the Nebraska Department of Education.
ELA Standards (Nebraska)
LA.10.RI.2 – Analyze how the interaction of individuals, important events, and key ideas contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.
LA.10.RI.6 – Compare and contrast the development of different arguments on the same topic, evaluating the effectiveness and validity of the claims.
LA.10.W.5 – Write informative/explanatory pieces to clearly convey ideas, information, and concepts in which the development and structure are appropriate to the task, discipline, purpose, and audience.
Summary of Materials
All of the materials for week one seek to establish a baseline understanding of rhetoric and how its strategies were used during the civil rights era to enact real-world change. There is also a practical annotation guide for one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches to show how students can annotate a text looking for rhetorical strategies.
Readings
King Jr., Martin Luther. “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” California State University Chico, 1963.
This is a piece written by King while he was in the Birmingham Jail. It is often considered to be one of the strongest rhetorical pieces ever written. This would be an easy piece to annotate for students.
George Mason University Writing Center. “What Is Rhetoric?” George Mason University Writing Center, 2021.
This piece goes into depth about how students could use rhetoric within their own writing and why and how rhetoric is used.
Videos
Langston, Camille. “How to Use Rhetoric to Get What You Want.” 20 Sept. 2016. YouTube.
This Ted Talk defines rhetoric and gives examples of how it may be used. This talk can be used to introduce rhetoric to those who are unfamiliar. The talk may also excite students about how they can implement it into their own lives.
Davis, Angela. “Angela Davis at the Embassy Auditorium.” 9 June 1972. American RadioWorks.
This speech, given five days after Angela Davis was released from prison, seeks to utilize sympathies and empowerment after her acquittal to urge the audience and the public to continue to fight against the oppressive forces that imprisoned her and charged the Soledad Brothers. This website also provides background information on Davis and the reason she was imprisoned in the first place. There are many rhetorical strategies that the students can find within the speech.
Ms. Peer Editor. “Rhetorical Analysis of MLK’s Speeches.” 29 Aug. 2020. YouTube.
This is a great way to showcase examples of rhetoric being pointed out and written down. This could be shown right before giving out an annotation assignment.
X, Malcolm. “Famous Malcolm X Speech ‘Any Means Necessary’.” 1964. YouTube.
This speech by civil rights advocate Malcolm X is a call to action for radical activism and seeking racial justice “by any means necessary.” In this speech, Malcolm X also criticizes Martin Luther King Jr. for his pacifist ideologies.
Discussion Questions
- Whose speech/essay did you feel more impacted by, Martin Luther King Jr.’s, Malcolm X’s, or Angela Davis’? Why do you think that is?
- How do X and King’s rhetorical strategies work together for the benefit of the civil rights movement?
- What rhetorical moves does Davis make that differs from X and King?
- What are the benefits and downsides of pacifism?
- Why does one choose to give a speech rather than release an essay?
- Is rhetoric more important in speeches or essays? Why?
Suggested Activities
- Find a speech or essay online that uses rhetorical strategies. Share with the class.
- Annotate “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Highlight portions that utilize rhetorical strategies.
- Write a short argumentative paragraph that implements rhetorical strategies.
- Have students get into groups and create a fake product. Then have students act out a commercial to sell the product using rhetorical strategies.
Week Two: How to Use Rhetoric
In the second week of this course, students embark on a deeper exploration of rhetorical strategies, focusing specifically on the persuasive tools of ethos, pathos, and logos. The primary objective is to equip students with the skills necessary to enhance their own writing abilities through the application of rhetorical strategies.
Moreover, this week broadens the scope of analysis to examine rhetoric on a global scale, looking at the famed Indian activists Sri Aurobindo and Sarojini Naidu and their rhetorical abilities. This exploration seeks to prompt discussions on the diverse cultural perspectives and values that shape rhetorical practices in India, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of global communication dynamics.
An integral component of this week's activities is the cultivation of a space for personal reflection. Students are encouraged to share their insights and contributions, and the week fosters open dialogue on topics of personal significance. Emphasis is placed on the importance of respectful disagreement within a professional academic setting, which allows for meaningful exchange of ideas while maintaining a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
In this final week, a summative assessment would be most beneficial. Note: As a scholar examining education as a carceral system, I do not design or assign summative assessments in my own classroom. However, I recognize the constraints and requirements that come with teaching in public school systems and believe an assessment that requires students to not only define and identify different rhetorical strategies, but also implement them within their own writing would be most appropriate to conclude this lesson plan with.
ELA Standards (Nebraska)
LA.10.RI.2 – A nalyze how the interaction of individuals, important events, and key ideas contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.
LA.10.RI.6 – Compare and contrast the development of different arguments on the same topic, evaluating the effectiveness and validity of the claims.
LA.10.W.5 – Write informative/explanatory pieces to clearly convey ideas, information, and concepts in which the development and structure are appropriate to the task, discipline, purpose, and audience.
Summary of Materials
All of the materials for week two seek to establish a deeper understanding of rhetoric and how its strategies are used outside of the United States in different time periods, specifically via the work of Sri Aurobindo and Sarojini Naidu – two rhetoricians who were outspoken about the damages of British colonial rule in India. There is also a reading that provides an overview of what had previously happened with India and Britian prior to Aurobindo’s and Naidu’s work.
Readings
Blackwell, Fritz. “The British Impact on India, 1700-1900.” Asia in World History: 1750-1914, vol. 13:2, Association for Asian Studies, 2008.
This piece provides a short overview of the history of British colonial rule in India and is likely necessary for students to read to understand the importance of Aurobindo and Naidu’s speeches and writings as well as how they tactfully employ rhetorical strategies.
Aurobindo, Sri. The Doctrine of Passive Resistance. Arya Publishing, 1948.
This is a piece by Sri Aurobindo about enacting pacifist resistance against British rule in India. This would be another great example of how rhetoric has historically been used.
Videos
Tolentino, Brian. “Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos, Pathos and Logos.” 21 Jan. 2023. YouTube.
This goes into depth about the differences between the three rhetorical appeals (according to Aristotle) and how they can be used together to enact a stronger argument.
Naidu, Sarojini, and Digvijay. “Sarojini Naidu’s Speech From 1928 Addressing United States Goes Viral.” 7 Feb. 2023. India Times.
This speech is given by the first governor of the United Provinces of India, Sarojini Naidu. In this speech Naidu does an excellent job of understanding the audience to which she is and the misconceptions they may hold about her country. On the website for this speech there is also a short article written by the website developers that provides some background on the British colonial rule of India and describes the importance of Naidu in the revolt against the rule.
Asangoham. “One of the GREATEST Mystics to Have Ever Lived: Sri Aurobindo.” 5 Oct. 2023. YouTube.
This provides some background for Sri Aurobindo and can help students see the stakes of what Aurobindo wrote.
Discussion Questions
- How does rhetoric change strategies on a global scale?
- What rhetorical device appeals the most to you? Why?
- Can ethos, pathos, and logos work independently of each other?
Suggested Activities
- Annotate Sri Aurobindo’s work looking specifically for ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Have students write their own argumentative essay implementing ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Take away all the students' chairs and have them write an essay explaining why they deserve to have their chairs back.
- Create a poster using rhetorical strategies to advertise a product.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to acknowledge Cherrie Kwok’s “Undisciplining the Dramatic Monologue” lesson plan, which served as an inspiration for the layout of this lesson plan.
Developer Biography
Darian Wilson is a graduate student in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an emphasis in literary and cultural studies. Her current research involves mapping the intersections of childhood, nationalism, and carceral educational systems. From this map, she wants to examine how this may culminate in the current construction and surveillance of neurodivergent personhood. Most recently she presented an essay on the socialist possibilities of neuroqueer rhetorics at the Northeastern Modern Language Association. Pronouns: she/they
Tile/Header Image Caption
Antonio Vanegas Arroyo (Firm), and José Guadalupe Posada. “Calavera Oaxaqueña.” [c.1910, printed later]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, PGA - Vanegas, no. 29 (A size) [P&P]. No known restrictions on reproduction in the U.S.; use elsewhere may be restricted by other countries’ laws.
Page/Lesson Plan Citation (MLA)
Darian Wilson, dev. “Rhetoric of Revolution.” Cherrie Kwok, Nirshan Perera, peer revs.; Darian Wilson, les. plan clust. dev.; Adrian S. Wisnicki, les. plan guide. Undisciplining the Victorian Classroom, 2025, https://undiscipliningvc.org/html/lesson_plans/social_rhetoric_revolution.html.