Download Common Reading, Fall 2005

Common Reading, 2005-2006
Maus in the Disciplines: Language
Carolyn Sterling-Deer
The Rhetoric of World War II Speeches
Suggested Exercises & Websites:
(1) Winston Churchill’s “Never Give Up” Speech: A Mini Lesson
A short lesson in studying speech-writing and its connection to improved
writing and speaking skills.
http://www.school-for-champions.com/speeches/churchill_nevergiveup.htm
Have students examine salient elements in this important speech and
experiment with written expression of ideas to note similarities and
differences between spoken and written speech.
(2) Churchill Speech Interactive: Reading with & without Sound
Have students visit website and listen to audio of speeches. Audio has
rolling text which is slow-paced and easy to read. Speeches in Churchill’s
voice (with British accent) can be used to have students note dialect
differences between American and British speech patterns. Text may also be
read without sound.
http://www.churchillspeeches.com/speech_player/index.htm
(3) Hitler’s Speeches 1921-1941
Website contains text of Hitler’s speeches including his autobiography, Mein
Kampf as well as his first writing about Jewry in 1919. Have students
examine the rhetoric of prejudice.
http://hitler.org/speeches/
(4) Nazi Propaganda 1933-1945
2
Hitler Rhetoric from the German Propaganda Archive. Includes propaganda
of Nazi leaders, anti-Semitic materials, visual materials such as Nazi
postcards. Have students examine the linguistic messages in Nazi postcards
and the power of the visual in disseminating Nazi propaganda.
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/ww2era.htm#Speech
(5) The Truman Presidential Museum and Library
President Harry S. Truman’s April 16, 1945 address before Congress after
the death of President Theodore Roosevelt presents the American position
on World War II. Have students compare American WWII rhetoric with
Hitler’s war rhetoric.
http://trumanlibrary.org/ww2/
(6) Germany’s Surrender
President Harry Truman’s announcement of Germany’s surrender is
available at this website. Both text and audio are available. Have students
read the text while listening to the audio of this speech and have them
examine the rhetoric of victory.
http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/harrystrumangermanysurrender.html
(7) The Nuremberg Race Laws
Website, The History Place contains full text of the Nuremberg Race Laws
with graphic representation of people of full, partial and non-Jewish
ancestry. Have students compare this document’s linguistic content and
visual images with racist views against other groups such as African
Americans.
http://thehistoryplace.com/wordwar2/timeline/nurem-laws.htm