Argument, Bias, and Persuasion
Have students track arguments through texts as they examine logical reasoning, bias, and persuasive techniques such as emotional appeals, character attacks, and slippery slopes.
Choosing a Warning Label for Human DNA
This piece offers a thoughtful meditation on the way human beings treat the planet they call home.
RFK’s Speech Following the Death of MLK
Senator Robert F. Kennedy
In this speech, Senator Robert F. Kennedy encourages the nation to unite and heal following Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.
First Lady Hillary Clinton’s Address to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
First Lady Hillary Clinton
In this speech, First Lady Hillary Clinton tells the United Nations that women’s rights are human rights.
Richard Nixon’s Resignation Speech
President Richard M. Nixon
In this speech, President Nixon explains that he is resigning from the office of president for the good of the American people.
Senator Nixon's “Checkers” Speech
Senator Richard M. Nixon
In this speech, Vice Presidential candidate Richard Nixon masters rhetoric to defend charges of corruption in his campaign and to defend Dwight Eisenhower’s bid for the presidency.
President Obama’s National Address to America’s Schoolchildren
President Barack Obama
President Obama speaks to students at Wakefield High School about the importance of education.
Red Cloud's Speech after Wounded Knee
Chief Red Cloud
Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud’s remarks following the Wounded Knee Massacre recall the years of false promises made and mistreatment shown to the American Indian people by the U.S. federal government.
Excerpt from Spirit of Laws
Charles-Louis de Secondat Montesquieu
In these satiric excerpts from Montesquieu’s political theory, the philosopher reflects on the origins of slavery and inequality.
A Refugee Looks Back
Mike J. Kubic, a former Newsweek magazine correspondent and post-WWII refugee, discusses the chaos that ensued after WWII and how it connects to today.
Excerpt from Southern Horrors: Lynch Laws in All Its Phases
Ida B. Wells
This excerpt discusses the injustice and horrors of Southern lynch laws, focusing especially on the violence enacted against African Americans following the Civil War and Reconstruction Era.
Allegory of the Cave
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is a piece of philosophy explaining the importance of knowledge in society and for the human soul.
Elie Wiesel’s “The Perils of Indifference” Speech
A Holocaust survivor discusses the consequences of acting indifferently towards human suffering.
President Roosevelt’s First Fireside Chat
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Roosevelt addresses the nation regarding the banking crisis.
Malala Yousafzai’s Address to the United Nations, July 2013
In this speech to the United Nations, Malala Yousafzai describes her experience after being shot by members of the Taliban and her commitment to education and rights for women.
Experts Debate: Will Computers Edge People Out Of Entire Careers?
Experts with competing viewpoints discuss the impact that rapid technological development will have on the future availability of jobs.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., outlines his nonviolence approach to addressing injustice while responding to criticism.
‘Why Sit Here and Die’ Speech
Maria W. Stewart
Maria W. Stewart speaks to the New England Anti-Slavery Society about the status and rights of African Americans.
How the News Media Works
Jessica McBirney explores what news media is and what information it provides the public.
Should We Terraform Mars?
Paul Scott Anderson
Paul Scott Anderson discusses whether or not humans should attempt to alter Mars to be habitable for humans.