Last fall, my AP Language students and I were just wrapping up a synthesis unit that had followed an introduction to rhetorical analysis unit. It was probably late October or early November. And one of my students said to me: “Are we ever going to read a book?”
Truthfully, because the course is AP Language which focuses on non-fiction, I had planned to skip fiction except for Macbeth. But, this question caused me to pause. Can I really say no to students asking to read?
Obviously the answer is no.
Hidden History Literature Circles for Teaching Rhetorical Analysis
The previous year, my students studied rhetorical analysis through historical fiction, did research and then wrote their own historical fictions. I liked the unit, but it felt too loose. And, it took too long (almost 12 weeks!).
So, I decided to tighten it up. I started by using book clubs instead of independent reading. This allowed us to use my Literature Circle Framework to really focus on the rhetorical analysis skills we need in AP Language while still allowing students the freedom to choose their own texts and direct their own discussions.
Hidden History Rhetorical Analysis Unit Outline
The unit is grounded in the essential questions: What are the benefits of bringing history out of the darkness? How and why does history hold secrets?
We open the unit with these questions with picture book stations. At the stations, students explore historical fiction picture books and memoirs through a variety of lenses. Additionally, there are stations set up to allow the students to look at the books they might read for their book clubs.
At the end of this activity, students fill out a Google Form to pick the books they are most interested in reading and who they would like to work with.
Phase One: Hidden History Literature Circles
The first stage of this unit is focused on reading their historical fiction or memoir books through a rhetorical analysis lens. They initially spend time establishing the rhetorical situation. Once they have that established, we move on to study, diction, syntax and figurative language within the texts. Each week we focus on a different skill. (I outline what this might look like in the Hybrid Literature Circle Framework–grab your copy for free.)
Phase Two: Researching Hidden History
When we have completed phase one, the book clubs, we move on to the exploration of hidden history through research. Students each choose an aspect of hidden history they want to explore more deeply. They begin to ask research questions and dig into online sources to find out more about their topics.
As they gather source materials, they take notes and complete an annotated bibliography.
Phase Three: Creative Writing
Rather than have students write a research essay, they create their own historical fiction in a medium of their choice. Students had the option to write a short story, a poetry anthology, a mutligenre piece or they could write and record a podcast or documentary style video.
Phase Four: Self-Reflection through Rhetorical Analysis
After students let their own pieces rest for a while, we revisit them and students rhetorically analyze their own writing by identifying their audience, purpose and rhetorical choices.
Building a Rhetorical Analysis Unit around Hidden History
The success of this unit lies in how it is structured along with all of the choices built in. The unit is intentionally developed to do laps. Students focus on reading historical documents and developing skills that they later employ in their own writing. Students have the opportunity to select their book club book, their research topic and the medium of their own historical fiction.
To learn more about the Skills Based Literature Circle Framework, grab your copy here. And if you are looking for a ready to use Hidden History Unit, you will find it in the Pencils and Prologues Membership.
Additional Resources
Rethinking Literature Circle Roles: High School Book Clubs that Build Skills
High School Literature Circles: 7 Lessons After Nearly 20 years
How to Use the Literature Circle in AP Literature
6 Ways to Elevate Lit Circles in Secondary English
6 Books by English Teachers for English Teachers
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Looking for ready to use Hybrid Literature Circle Units that follow this Framework? Try the Pencils and Prologues Membership.
