Lesson Plan: President Jimmy Carter's 'Malaise' Speech

Learning Outcomes

• Students will know the context and content of President Jimmy Carter's 'malaise' speech.
• Students will understand the impact of the speech on American society and politics.
• Students will be able to analyze the speech and its relevance to current energy and confidence issues.

Methodology

This lesson will be delivered through a combination of lecture, discussion, and analysis of primary sources. Students will be encouraged to participate in class discussion and to ask questions throughout the lesson.

Resources/Materials

• Primary source: President Jimmy Carter's 'malaise' speech
• Handout: Historical context of the energy crisis and lack of confidence in the 1970s
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen

Activities

Activity 1: Historical Context

Students will be given a handout outlining the historical context of the energy crisis and lack of confidence in the 1970s. They will be asked to read the handout and take notes on the key points.

Activity 2: Lecture and Discussion

The teacher will give a brief lecture on the energy crisis and lack of confidence in the 1970s, focusing on the political and social factors that contributed to these issues. Students will then participate in a class discussion, sharing their notes and thoughts on the historical context.

Activity 3: Analysis of President Carter's Speech

Students will be given a copy of President Carter's 'malaise' speech and will be asked to read it carefully. They will then work in small groups to analyze the speech, focusing on the following questions:

• What is the main message of the speech?
• What specific issues does President Carter address in the speech?
• What is President Carter's tone in the speech? How does he try to persuade his audience?
• What impact did the speech have on American society and politics?

Activity 4: Class Discussion

After completing their analysis, students will participate in a class discussion, sharing their findings and thoughts on the speech. The teacher will guide the discussion, asking questions and encouraging students to think critically about the speech and its relevance to current energy and confidence issues.

Assessment

Assessment for this lesson will be based on class participation, completion of the handout, and the quality of analysis and participation in the class discussion.