How to Teach the Declaration of Independence

This course delves into the historical context of the Declaration of Independence, examining the document and the political events leading up to it. Students will cultivate a deep sense of the history and tradition that made the Declaration of Independence possible, as well as the thoughts and events that gave it shape and force. Through concerted discussions, readings, presentations, and assignments, students will gain a sense of the proper nuance of the Declaration, its context, and the best ways to teach it in a manner that conveys its historical importance and civic relevance. 

Throughout the course, participants will read selections from Barry Alan Shain’s The Declaration of Independence in Historical Context, a collection of letters, papers, petitions, and proclamations from the years preceding the Declaration, along with other secondary literature. Students will be expected to lead discussions, write a comprehensive lesson plan, and complete an in-class final essay exam.  

This synchronous course is entirely virtual, and is taught by Dr. Justin Litke, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the Catholic University of America this July.  

POL 600: How to Teach the Declaration of Independence 

• Week 1: July 13 – July 17, 9:30am – 1pm ET 

• Week 2: July 20 – July 24, 9:30am – 1pm ET 

• Week 3: July 27, 9:30am – 1pm ET 

The course application is coming soon. If you are interested in taking this course over the summer, complete this form, and JMC will reach out to you when the application is open. Please direct any questions to JMC Graduate Consortium Manager, Moyra Eaton, at meaton@gojmc.org.  

This course is a part of the Jack Miller Center’s Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium, which seeks to provide K-12 teachers with high-impact graduate education centered around American civics and history. Click the link below to read more about the consortium and explore other available courses.