Media Literacy Activities for Learning Civics Concepts
Senior Contributing Authors
Robert W. Maloy, Senior Lecturer, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Torrey Trust, Associate Professor of Learning Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Chenyang Xu, Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Allison Butler, Senior Lecturer & Director of Undergraduate Advising, Director of Media Literacy Certificate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Media Literacy Project Team
Ifat Gazia, Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
J.D. Swerzenski, Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Yuxi (Cecilia) Zhou, Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Natalie Passov, Undergraduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Eleanor Sprick, Undergraduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Benjamin Mendillo, Undergraduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Kyle Balis, Undergraduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Kendra Sleeper, Undergraduate Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Interdisciplinary Faculty Research Award for this project.

Introduction
Welcome to Critical Media Literacy and Civic Learning - an interactive, multimodal, multicultural, open access eBook for teaching and learning key topics in United States Government and Civic Life. Open access means these materials are online, digital, and free of charge (Billings, 2019). This book is available online to anyone with an internet connection. The eBook can also be viewed and printed as a PDF file for offline viewing.
Developed as a companion edition to our Building Democracy for All eBook (2020), Critical Media Literacy and Civic Learning (2021) features more than 100 interactive media literacy learning activities for students organized around key topics in civics, government, and history education derived from the Massachusetts 8th Grade Civics and Government curriculum framework (see tables below). Civics concepts for which we have developed critical media literacy activities include democracy as a political system, a republic as a form of government, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the branches of U.S. government, elections and voting, political parties, citizenship, political leadership and courage, political protest, civil rights and social justice, political action committees, amendments to the Constitution, landmark Supreme Court decisions, functions of state and local government, freedom of the press, digital news and social media, and many more.
Each critical media literacy learning activity includes short written introductions followed by step-by-step directions for students to complete the activities, individually or in small groups. Every activity is designed to promote creative self-expression and higher-order critical thinking among students about the ways that online and print media impact our lives as well as our nation's politics.
Media Literacy Activities for Civics, Government, and History Concepts
1. Foundations of the U.S. Political System
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
Democracy as a Political System |
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A Republic as a Form of Government |
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Impacts of Enlightenment Philosophies |
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British Influences on American Government |
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Native American Influences on American Government |
Representations of Native Americans in Films, Local History Publications, and School Mascots |
2. The Development of United States Government
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
Declaration of Independence |
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Articles of Confederation |
Media Marketing and Government Regulating of Self-Driving Cars and Electric Vehicles |
The Constitutional Convention |
Representations of and Racism Toward toward Black Americans in the Media |
Federalists and Anti-Federalists |
Political Debates Through Songs from Hamilton: An American Musical |
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights |
3. Institutions of United States Government
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
Branches of the Government and the Separation of Powers |
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Checks and Balances between the Branches |
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The President, the Congress, and the Courts |
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Elections |
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Political Parties |
4. The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
Citizenship and Becoming a U.S. Citizen |
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Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens and Non-Citizens |
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Civic, Political, and Private Life |
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Fundamental Principles and Values of American Democracy |
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Voting and Citizen Participation |
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Accurate Information for Voters |
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Political Leadership |
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Connections between People and Their Elected Representatives |
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Careers in Public Service |
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Individual Liberty and Social Equality |
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Political Courage and Anti-Democratic Actions |
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Political Protest |
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Interest Groups, Political Action Committees, and Labor Unions |
PACs, SuperPACs, and Unions in the Media |
5. The Constitution, Amendments, and Supreme Court Decisions
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
The Necessary and Proper Clause |
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Amendments to the Constitution |
The Equal Rights Amendment on Twitter and other Social Media |
The Civil War, Federal Power, and Individual Rights |
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Equal Rights and Protections for Race, Gender, and Disability |
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Marbury v. Madison |
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Landmark Supreme Court Decisions |
6. The Structure of State and Local Government
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
Functions of State and National Government |
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Distribution of Powers |
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Enumerated and Implied Powers |
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Protection of Individual Rights |
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The 10th Amendment |
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The Massachusetts State Constitution |
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Leadership of Massachusetts State Government |
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Tax Supported Facilities and Services |
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The Functions of Local Government |
7. Freedom of the Press and News/Media Literacy
Key Civics, Government, and History Concepts |
Critical Media Literacy Activities |
Freedom of the Press |
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Competing Information |
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Formats for News Writing |
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Digital News and Social Media |
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Evaluating Print and Online Media |
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Editorials, Editorial Cartoons, and Op-Ed Commentaries |