Freedom of speech and automatic language: Examining the Pledge of Allegiance

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 8

• Goal 9: The learner will explore examples of and opportunities for active citizenship, past and present, at the local and state levels.
  • Objective 9.03: Describe opportunities for and benefits of civic participation.

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 8

• Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
  • Objective 1.02: Analyze expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • reviewing the characteristics of expressive works.
    • determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • generating a learning log or journal.
    • maintaining an annotated list of works that are read or viewed, including personal reactions.
    • taking an active role in and/or leading formal/informal book/media talks.
  • Objective 1.03: Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
    • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
    • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
    • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.
  • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
    • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
    • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
    • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.
• Goal 2: The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
  • Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • recognizing the characteristics of informational materials.
    • summarizing information.
    • determining the importance of information.
    • making connections to related topics/information.
    • drawing inferences.
    • generating questions.
    • extending ideas.
• Goal 3: The learner will continue to refine the understanding and use of argument.
  • Objective 3.01: Explore and evaluate argumentative works that are read, heard and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • analyzing the work by identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them.
    • identifying the social context of the argument.
    • recognizing the effects of bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting.
    • comparing the argument and counter-argument presented.
    • identifying/evaluating the effectiveness of tone, style, and use of language.
    • evaluating the author's purpose and stance
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local, state, and national policies/issues including those with a historical context).
  • Objective 3.03: Evaluate and create arguments that persuade by:
    • understanding the importance of the engagement of audience by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing interest.
    • noting and/or developing a controlling idea that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgment.
    • arranging details, reasons, and examples effectively and persuasively.
    • anticipating and addressing reader/listener concerns and counterarguments.
    • recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
• Goal 4: The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
  • Objective 4.01: Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, and/or propaganda techniques.
    • evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
    • evaluate the effects of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.
  • Objective 4.02: Analyze and develop (with limited assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:
    • using knowledge of language structure and literary or media techniques.
    • drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information.
    • considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.