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Lesson 3

We will examine the following question: How important is it to be historically accurate when creating art that is based on a real person or event? We will read the article “In Defense of Hamilton.” While reading, we will focus on the reasons and evidence the author uses to support his claim. Then, we will prepare for the Section Diagnostic.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I identify the claims, reasoning, and evidence the author uses in “In Defense of Hamilton?”

  • Can I develop and clearly communicate meaningful and defensible claims that represent valid, evidence-based analysis?

Texts

Core

  • Unit Reader
    • “In Defense of Hamilton,” Michael McLean, werehistory.org, September 9, 2016

Materials

Tools

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We will read “In Defense of Hamilton.”

With a partner, read "In Defense of Hamilton." While reading, underline the reasons McLean gives for why the musical deserves praise. Put an asterisk next to evidence he uses to support his reasons, brackets around the counterclaims, and a circle around unfamiliar words.

Activity 2: Discuss

We will delineate McLean’s argument.

In small groups, use the Delineating Arguments Tool to analyze McLean’s argument.

First, find the reasons you underlined.

Second, find and discuss the evidence you put asterisks next to, then write it in the Supporting Evidence boxes.

Third, find the counterclaims you bracketed. Discuss the counterclaims and the evidence supporting it. Then, look at how McLean refutes these counterclaims and the evidence he uses to do so. Write the counterclaim in the Counterclaim box and the evidence that supports it in the Supporting Evidence box.

Activity 3: Discuss

After delineating the argument, discuss the effectiveness of McLean’s argument.

In your small group, discuss the effectiveness of McLean’s argument in "In Defense of Hamilton." In your discussion, respond to the following questions:

  1. Are McLean’s reasons relevant and convincing?

  2. Does he use strong evidence?

After your small-group discussion, share your thoughts about the persuasiveness of his argument in a whole-class discussion.

Activity 4: Write

We will begin to form our claim in response to the questions, “Is Lin Manuel Miranda’s interpretation of Hamilton’s character accurate?” and “How important is it to be historically accurate when creating art that is based on a real person or event?”

Use a Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool to respond to the following question:

  1. How important is it to be historically accurate when creating art that is based on a real person or event?

Look over the research you found and the tools and notes you completed. Fill in the Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool using the directions below:

  • Write key details or evidence that will help you answer that question on the Select Key Details row.

  • Analyze how the details connect to the question in the Analyze the Details row.

  • Compare the details and explain connections in the Explain Connections row.

  • Finally, state the conclusion you have drawn from the details in the Form a Claim row.

Activity 5: Write

For homework, we will complete our Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool.

Complete your Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool to prepare for the Section 4 Diagnostic.