4th
November
2013
History of This I Believe
Examples of essays
First, give yourself a context for this assignment by reading a brief history of This I Believe. (click on link above) Record a few notes in your Think/Composition Journal about the focus and intent of the essays and the original project.
Second, please listen to at least 3 different essays. One of those essays should be by a prominent/significant figure from the 1950s click here for the list . While you listen to the essays take notes in your Journal about the use of language and how the story is being told. Is there imagery or symbolism? Good details? Does the story come full circle? What makes this essay work? What do you notice? What kind of ideas does it give you about what you might try when writing your own essay?
10 Things I Know to be True Examples
25th
February
2013
“Learn from the masses and then teach them.” – Chairman Mao
DRIVING QUESTIONS: What is the difference between reform and revolution?
When, if ever, should a government use culture to reinforce ideology or reforms?
What is lost materially and psychologically when a government destroys parts of a country’s cultural heritage?
Great Leap Forward
The Legacy of Mao
What were the main causes of the Cultural Revolution? What role did Mao Zedong play in beginning the Revolution? Was he “responsible” for it?
Propaganda Posters
What do propaganda posters reveal about Chinese society during the Cultural Revolution? How are people dressed? What kind of facial expressions do they have? What message do you think these posters are meant to send? What purpose do you think propaganda posters served during the Cultural Revolution? Why do you think propaganda posters were an effective tool of communication in China during the Cultural Revolution?
Li Zhensheng’s collection of photographs during the Cultural Revolution
The Little Red Book – “To read too many books is harmful” – Mao