Zaria Collins

5 December 2025

African American Lit

Major Project-Lesson Plan

Binary Oppositions in W.E.B. Du Bois’s “Of Mr. Washington and Others”
Course: 12th Grade African American Literature Unit Theme: Binary Oppositions in Argument and Social Thought Duration: 4 Weeks
Course Description
This lesson introduces 12th graders to how writers use binary oppositions, pairs of contrasting ideas, to build stronger arguments. Using W.E.B. Du Bois’s “Of Mr. Washington and Others,” students will explore how Du Bois contrasts his own beliefs with Booker T. Washington’s views on education, progress, leadership, and Black advancement. Students will analyze the text, discuss the historical context, and connect the ideas to issues teens face today, like choosing between college and trade school or deciding when to compromise vs. when to stand firm. The goal is to help students understand persuasive writing on a deeper level while learning about one of the most important debates in African American intellectual history. I chose 12th grade because seniors are at a point where they’re constantly weighing different “paths” or “opposite choices” in their lives. Du Bois and Washington were basically doing the same thing, laying out competing visions for the future. These ideas hit home for students who are preparing for college, careers, or other big steps. Plus, seniors can handle complex writing when it’s connected to something meaningful.
Objectives
Students will: Identify and analyze binary oppositions in Du Bois’s essay Understand how oppositional ideas function in persuasive writing Compare Du Bois and Washington’s positions using textual evidence Discuss how historical debates relate to modern choices and social issues Demonstrate understanding through creative, written, and discussion-based assignments
Text List			Rationale
Primary Text: W.E.B. Du Bois, “Of Mr. Washington and Others”	Supporting Texts: Booker T. Washington, excerpts from Up From Slavery Henry Louis Gates Jr., short commentary on Du Bois vs. Washington		These three texts give students a full picture of one of the most important debates in African American history. Du Bois’s essay introduces clear binary oppositions, while Washington’s own writing lets students hear the contrasting philosophy directly from him. This helps students understand how two leaders responded differently to the same challenges. Gates’s commentary then breaks the debate down in a modern, accessible way that supports comprehension. Overall, these texts work together to help 12th graders analyze arguments, compare perspectives, and connect historical debates to their own lives.
Technology/Multimedia			Rationale
Video 1: W.E.B. Du Bois: The Power of Double Consciousness  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNoRIvJJKBY			This video introduces students to one of Du Bois’s most important ideas and situates his writing within his personal experiences. It helps students understand the emotional and intellectual background behind his critiques of Washington. The visual format also makes dense concepts more relatable and easier to grasp.
Video 2: Booker T. Washington & the Atlanta Compromise Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKXNyjIXCGo			Students often struggle to understand Washington’s strategy without context, so this video breaks it down in a clear and engaging way. It prepares them for the moment when Du Bois responds to Washington’s speech in the primary text. By giving students historical anchors, the video reduces confusion and increases comprehension.
Video 3: Du Bois vs. Washington: Two Paths to Black Progress https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zeKJM565hJ8			This short video visually maps out the oppositions between the two leaders, making it perfect for visual learners. It strengthens students’ ability to recognize binary oppositions by presenting the contrasting ideas side-by-side. It also reinforces key concepts before students begin analytical assignments.
Discussion Questions What oppositions stand out to you in Du Bois’s argument? Why do you think Du Bois felt Washington’s message was risky? If you were alive at the time, whose side would you take? What modern debates seem similar to these oppositions? What do these arguments show about progress and power?
Activities & Assignments
Assignment 1: Binary Opposition Hunt (Close Reading) Students identify three binary oppositions from Du Bois’s essay and explain how each one shapes his argument.			This assignment pushes students to independently identify oppositions rather than relying on the teacher to point them out. It strengthens close-reading skills and helps them see how writers construct arguments through contrast. It also prepares students for deeper activities by giving them a solid foundation in the text.
Assignment 2: Kahoot Game: “Du Bois vs. Washington Showdown” Students play a Kahoot that reviews: Key ideas from the videos Background information on both leaders Early oppositions they've spotted in the text Vocabulary and concepts like “industrial education,” “liberal arts education,” and “Atlanta Compromise”			The Kahoot keeps seniors engaged by making review feel interactive instead of repetitive. It checks that students understand key ideas before they move into more advanced analysis, creating a low-pressure space to correct misunderstandings. It also boosts students’ confidence as they start the debate activity.
Assignment 3: Debate Circles: Du Bois vs. Washington Students divide into two groups and argue their assigned leader’s beliefs using quotes. This gets them thinking like the writers themselves and shows how oppositions can form entire arguments.			Debating from each leader’s perspective helps students think like the authors and understand the motivations behind each argument. It builds speaking, listening, and reasoning skills while reinforcing the oppositions they identified earlier. The activity also makes the historical debate feel more alive and relevant.
Assignment 4: Visual Argument Project Students create an infographic, mini-poster, or short TikTok-style video illustrating one major binary opposition. Must include 3 pieces of textual evidence.			This assignment lets students express their understanding creatively, which is important for students who learn best through visuals or media. By requiring textual evidence, it keeps the project academically rigorous while still appealing to students' creativity. It also helps them see how arguments can be communicated in different formats beyond traditional essays.
Enrichment: Modern Binary Oppositions Project Students select a modern debate (college vs. trade school, peaceful protest vs. civil disobedience, individual success vs. community support) and identify how oppositional thinking shapes the argument.			Connecting historical oppositions to modern debates makes the content more relevant to seniors who are actively making decisions about college, careers, social issues, and identity. It shows students that binary oppositions aren’t just literary tools, they shape real-world arguments too. This extension helps students transfer analytical skills from the classroom to the world around them.
Timeline of Assignment
Week 1: Introduction		Introduce binary oppositions Watch Videos 1 & 2 Background readings Begin reading Du Bois Assignment 1 distributed
Week 2: Comprehension and Engagement		Finish the essay Watch Video 3 Kahoot game Group discussion Assignment 1 due Assignment 2 (Kahoot) completed in class
Week 3: Application		Debate Circles Introduce Visual Argument Project Field trip prep Assignment 3 due Assignment 4 work time
Week 4: Reflection and Writing		Present Visual Projects Comparative Response Essay Assignment 4 due