Teacher's Guide for COBBLESTONE ^® Freedom of the Press

Assignment: Point of view. Letters from two perspectives.

Objective: Students will create two letters to the editor from opposing viewpoints regarding seditious libel.

For use with article: "John Peter Zenger and the Defense of the Press," by Carolyn Gard

Process: Unlike journalists who faced accusations of seditious libel during the 1700's, the first amendment secures our right to freedom of press. After reading this article, write two letters to your own newspaper editor showing different points of view.

First letter: should be from Governor Cosby's point of view. Your position should be for a strong government. You are against rebels who would incite rebellion against the state.

Second letter: should be in support of John Peter Zenger. It should support freedom of press and truth.

Helpful hint: It might be helpful for students to compare editorial letters from a national paper/magazine or your own local paper that depict two different points of view.

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Updated: 8/28/08 11:39 pm
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