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C13. Symbols of Pres. Power/Thesaurus

Description:
This lesson will help students develop a deeper understanding of 8 symbols of presidential power. Students are provided 8 symbols of power and asked to choose three cases where this symbol appears. Students are then asked to select thesaurus entries that are a good match with each symbol. Students are then asked to explain how the ads use the symbol in similar and different ways.

To Teachers:

• Look at the Roget Thesaurus entry - "Power". (Whole class activity)
• Create groups of 3 to 4 students.
• Assign each group an election year.
• Give each group a worksheet.

Materials:
Worksheet Word document | PDF

Worksheet Instructions:

• Go to EASE History -- http://www.easehistory.org/
• Search on "All Positive Presidential Leadership Attributes" ads in EASE History. [Search: EASE History Campaign Ads> Presidential Leadership Attributes>Accomplishments
• Examine at least 12 cases that have been coded on "Accomplishments".
• Column 2: Select three cases (ads=cases in EASE History) that feature a symbol of presidential power (Desk, Oval Office, etc.).
• Column 3: Select thesaurus entries that are a good match for how this symbol is used in the three cases.
• Column 4: Explain how this symbol of presidential power was used in sort of similar and sort of different ways in the three ads.
  
  

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