Americans and their Flag (Part 2)

In our last class, we discussed the essays and compared your opinions with your classmates. We then watched a few videos about flag burning and the debate over the proper treatment of the American flag. We also analyzed the patriotic images shown in the videos. The videos from class can be found here and here.

Now, read this online opinion piece about the right of Americans to burn the flag. You may read the entire web page if you wish, or skip to the section entitled, "Flag Burning is our Patriotic Duty." Note the source of the article and the tone of the writing. Once you have read the article once, complete this reading comprehension activity.

Now that you have seen and read about different perspectives on the American flag, your final assignment for this unit is to write a 5-page essay discussing the following:

1) If and how your views of American patriotism have changed due to the in-class discussions and online activities.
2) Your opinion on the appropriate use of national symbols.

You may use examples regarding both American and German national symbols. This will be due in class next Friday.

Americans and their Flag (Part 1)

In class you did some brainstorming about patriotism and national symbols in America. You and your classmates voiced your opinions on what the American flag means to Americans. Now you will read an article about one person's interpretation of the meaning of the American flag and listen to the American national anthem, an ode to the flag as a symbol of America.

First, please complete this pre-reading activity, in which you will learn important vocabulary for the reading and listening sections.

Now, please read the following online article, entitled, "The Meaning of the American Flag." Please note the source of the article and what kind of website it is on. After you have read the article, complete this reading comprehension exercise.

Next, you can listen to the "Star-Spangled Banner," which is the American national anthem. You should watch the video once and simply listen before beginning the listening comprehension exercise. I recommend that you leave the video running while you complete the exercise so that you can stop the video and listen to the lyrics as many times as you need to.

When you have finished all of the activities, your final assignment is to write a 2-page essay comparing how Americans view their flag (according to what you read and saw in the activities) and what you and other Germans you know think of the German flag. This essay will be turned in and discussed during class on Monday.