Clash of the Titans

Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois


Booker T. WashingtonW.E.B. Du Bois


11th Grade Program

Theme: Although Booker T. Washington was a nationally respected African American leader, there were many of his own race who opposed his views, especially W.E.B. Du Bois.

Goals:

  1. To learn Booker T. Washington's philosophy of education and his hopes for African Americans.
  2. To learn the philosophy of those who opposed him, especially W.E.B. Du Bois.
  3. To understand how both of these men's philosophies contributed to the Civil Rights movement.

Objectives:

  1. Students will analyze Booker T. Washington's "Atlanta Address".
  2. Students will analyze W.E.B. Du Bois' speech at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. (1906)
  3. Students will compare the philosophies of Booker T. Washington with W.E.B. Du Bois.
  4. Students will research Washington's and Du Bois' points of view by using primary sources and computer technology.
  5. Students will compare the philosophies and styles of Washington and Du Bois with the leaders of the Civil Rights movements from the 1950's to the present.


Table of Contents
for
Clash of the Titans

The 11th grade program at Booker T. Washington National Monument is designed to compare and contrast Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, the men and their philosophies. The program also includes an examination of these figures and their effects on the modern Civil Rights movement. There are eight suggested lesson plans that teachers can utilize as they teach students about the conflict between Washington and Du Bois. A trip to Booker T. Washington National Monument is recommended for further study.

Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools that are met by the learning activities are History and Social Science VUS.8.

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ACTIVITIES

1. The Atlanta Address
Students will analyze the "Atlanta Address" and fill out a speech analysis form.

   "The Atlanta Exposition Address"

2. Debate
Students will analyze the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois and argue which benefited African Americans more.

3. Du Bois' Thoughts on Washington
Students will analyze and discuss a critique of Mr. Washington by an African American contemporary, W.E.B. Du Bois, then write reaction papers.

4. Harpers Ferry Speech
Students will analyze the speech given by W.E.B. Du Bois at Harpers Ferry and fill out a speech analysis form.

   Harpers Ferry Speech given at Storer College

5. Interviews of Famous Americans
Students will research famous Americans that lived and influenced the era 1865-1915.

6. Multimedia Presentation
Students will present to the class a multimedia presentation on Booker T. Washington or W.E.B. Du Bois.

7. Panel Discussion
Students will analyze and discuss "Individual Responsibility."

   "Individual Responsibility"

8. Persuasive Writing
Students will write a persuasive paper opposing or defending Booker T. Washington's educational philosophy.

Book List

Obituary of Booker T. Washington

Obituary of W.E.B. Du Bois

Unveiling Exercises of the Booker T. Washington Memorial


Return to Curriculum-Based Education Programs Page


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Booker T. Washington National Monument
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, Virginia  24101