Dive-deep into the life of Frederick Douglass and explore how he demonstrate the virtue of responsibility.

Essential Question

• How can one individual’s responsibility influence a community?  

Guiding Questions

• What happens when one acts irresponsibly and “lets down” another?  
• Is there any connection between being responsible and being trusted? Between being responsible and being respected? 

Learning Objectives

• Students will discuss the benefits of responsibility in civil society by analyzing the story of Frederick Douglass.   
• Students will reflect on ways that they can be responsible for themselves and for their communities.

Student Resources

• Frederick Douglass and Responsibility Narrative

Teacher Resources

• Analysis Questions 
• Virtue in Action  
• Journal Activity
• Sources for Further Reading  

Procedures 

• The following lesson introduces students to the civic virtue of responsibility. Acting responsibly for oneself and others is essential to the health of one’s community. Students will learn that responsibility is striving to know and do what is best, rather than what is most popular or expedient.  
• Students will engage with the story of Frederick Douglass as they consider the question: How can one individual’s responsibility influence a community?   
• The main activity of this lesson requires students to analyze the story and actions of Frederick Douglass. Students may work individually, in pairs, or in small groups as best fits your classroom. The analysis questions provided can be used to help students comprehend and think critically about the content. As the teacher, you can decide which questions best fit your students’ needs and time restraints.   
• Lastly, the lesson includes sources used in this lesson for further reading and suggestions for cross-curricular connections.