Lesson Plan: Examining American Exceptionalism and Progress

Ann S. Michaelsen

1 year ago

Objective: Students will critically analyze the concept of American exceptionalism, compare past achievements with current standings, and evaluate the country’s progress over the last decade.

Introduction: Exploring American Exceptionalism

Opening Question:
Begin by asking students:
- “What does the term ‘American exceptionalism’ mean to you?”
- “Do you think America is the greatest country in the world? Why or why not?”
  Discuss briefly and note varied perspectives.
Video Screening:
Show the video excerpt *from The Newsroom (2012). Before viewing, explain that the clip critiques the idea of American exceptionalism, offering both statistical data and emotional reflection on America’s past achievements.
Post-Video Discussion Questions:
- What points in the video stood out to you the most, and why?
- Do you agree with the critique presented in the clip? Why or why not?
- How do you interpret the speaker’s shift from critique to nostalgia for what America “used to be”?

Part 1: Analyzing the Video’s Claims

Activity: Fact-Check the Video

Divide students into small groups and assign each group a claim from the video (e.g., literacy ranking, incarceration rates, defense spending).
Have students research whether these claims are still accurate, using reliable sources.
Groups will report back, comparing the video’s data to current statistics.

Discussion Questions:

How accurate were the statistics provided in the video?
Have any rankings improved or worsened? What might explain these changes?

- 7th in literacy
- 27th in math
- 22nd in science
- 49th in life expectancy
- 178th in infant mortality
- 3rd in median household income
- 4th in labor force and exports
Discuss the areas where America leads:
- Incarceration rate
- Belief in angels
- Defense spending

Part 2: Revisiting America’s Past Achievements

Group Task:
Reflect on the speaker’s nostalgic statements about America’s past. Assign each group one of the following themes to explore and present:

Moral leadership: Examples of America standing up for moral reasons (e.g., civil rights movement, humanitarian aid).
Technological and scientific achievements: Discuss significant breakthroughs (e.g., Apollo missions, vaccines).
Economic strength and sacrifice: Analyze the post-WWII economic boom and societal attitudes toward community and sacrifice.

Key Questions for Analysis:

How did these achievements contribute to America’s reputation as “exceptional”?
Are these values and priorities still present in modern America? Why or why not?

Part 4: Reflecting on America’s Progress Over the Past Decade

Guided Discussion:

What major changes have occurred since the video aired in 2012?
How have events such as the Trump presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic, and technological advancements reshaped America’s global standing?

Reflection Questions:

Do you think America is moving closer to or further away from the values mentioned in the video (e.g., moral leadership, sacrifice, community focus)?
In what areas has progress been made, and where is improvement still needed?

Conclusion: Reflection on American Exceptionalism

Group Discussion:
Revisit the opening question: “Is America the greatest country in the world?”
- Have students’ perspectives shifted after completing the lesson? Why or why not?
Individual Reflection:
Have students write a short essay or journal entry responding to:
- “What lessons from America’s past can guide its future?”
- “What areas should America focus on to improve its well-being and global standing?”

Part 3: Comparing with Trump’s Presidency

Analyze key promises and policies of the Trump administration:
- “Make America Great Again” slogan
- Focus on economic growth and job creation
- Immigration policies
- America First foreign policy
- Healthcare reform attempts
Compare these policies with the ideals mentioned in the transcript:
- Has there been a shift in focus from moral leadership to economic and military dominance?
- How have international relationships been affected?
- Has there been progress in areas like education, healthcare, and income equality?

Part 4: Current State Assessment

Discuss recent developments in:
- Education rankings
- Healthcare outcomes
- Economic indicators
- International relations
- Technological advancements
Compare these with the situation 9 years ago to determine if America’s standing has improved or declined.

Conclusion and Reflection

Group discussion: Is the statement “America is the greatest country in the world” more or less valid now?
Individual reflection: What areas should America focus on to improve its global standing and the well-being of its citizens?

In the nine years since this transcript was produced, the United States has experienced significant changes, both positive and negative. The Trump administration’s “America First” policy and focus on economic growth did lead to some improvements in employment rates and GDP growth. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the economy and healthcare system, exposing and exacerbating existing inequalities. In terms of global standing, America’s reputation has fluctuated. The Trump administration’s approach to international relations and withdrawal from various global agreements led to some tension with traditional allies. However, there have been advancements in areas such as renewable energy adoption and continued technological innovation.

Regarding the specific rankings mentioned in the transcript, there have been some changes, but the overall picture remains mixed. For example, while there have been improvements in some educational outcomes, the U.S. still lags behind many other developed nations in areas such as math and science proficiency. The statement “America is the greatest country in the world” remains subjective and debatable. While the U.S. continues to be a global leader in many areas, including technological innovation and higher education, it also faces significant challenges in healthcare access, income inequality, and social issues. The past nine years have seen both progress and setbacks, making it difficult to definitively say whether America’s standing has improved or worsened overall.

Extension Task (Optional):

Creative Project:
Ask students to create a visual presentation (e.g., infographic, slide deck) summarizing their findings on one key topic from the lesson, such as healthcare, education, or moral leadership. Presentations should include:

Historical context.
Current data and trends.
Recommendations for future improvement.

Essay questions

Historical Reflection and Modern Comparison:
In the video, the speaker nostalgically recalls a time when America stood for moral leadership, sacrifice, and innovation. Compare the ideals described in the video with America’s current standing. Do you believe the U.S. has moved closer to or further from these values? Support your argument with historical examples and current data.
Defining Exceptionalism in a Global Context:
The speaker challenges the idea that America is the greatest country in the world, citing data on education, healthcare, and incarceration. How would you define “greatness” for a nation? Using examples from the U.S. and other countries, argue whether or not America meets your criteria for greatness.
Path Forward for American Progress:
The speaker in the video critiques America’s challenges while highlighting its historical achievements. Based on your analysis of the video, research, and class discussions, outline a roadmap for how the U.S. can address its current challenges (e.g., education, healthcare, or income inequality) while building on its strengths. What policies, values, or actions should be prioritized to shape a better future?