Teaching The Prince

Instructions for You

Objective: Students need some variety in their life. Now's their chance to apply Machiavellian theory to real life situations. This is a kind of extension of their mini-Prince assignment in that it branches beyond just mimicking. In our wildest dreams, students will synthesize the ideas in The Prince, apply them to contemporary situations, choose a format that suits their interest, and create a stellar piece of writing.

You can expect to spend between two and four hours of instructional time on this assignment (so basically two to four periods).

Materials Needed: A copy of the text and/or Shmoop's summary for reference

Step 1: For homework, have students review our page about the themes in The Prince.

Step 2: Back in class, introduce the two options for the written assignment. That's right, benevolent rulers that we are, we're giving 'em a choice.

Option 1: You're a politician (we're thinking local) and you're giving a speech to your public. We want you to use Machiavellian ideas to help change your community and spearhead a movement. What will you say to keep power, and keep the people happy? Your speech should be one and a half to two pages long (200 to 300 words) and really encompass Machiavelli's major ideas about power and a leader's role. (These opinions may not jive with your own; don't be afraid to get into character).

Option 2: You're the opposite of a politician; you're a poet, and you've been asked to present a Machiavellian poem. That's right. A Machiavellian poem, that encompasses our Niccolo's major ideas. Ideally it will rhyme, because rhymes are awesome. However, it can be free verse too, man. Your poem should be one and a half to two pages long (200 to 300 words).

You should encourage the students to have fun with this assignment; if they want to include humor in their pieces, all the better. The important thing is that students show a grasp of the central ideas of the text.

Step 3: When students have completed their first draft, have them go back through to ensure that they have clearly applied Machiavellian principles to their piece. Remind them that this assignment is rooted in their comprehension of the ideas in The Prince. Then students should complete their final copy.

Step 4: Once they're done with their piece, whether speech or poem, students should write a two paragraph (approximately 200 word) reflection that discusses which of Machiavelli's ideas they incorporated, with specific references to the text (including page numbers). This reflection exercise is a way for students to take a moment to think about the process they went through while completing this assignment, a.k.a. metacognition. Did we hear someone say "educational buzz word?"

Step 5: We've arrived: students will present their work to the class. The style of the presentation will vary based on what everyone decided to create. They may sing, rap, or speak their creation (hopefully rap).

Instructions for Your Students

Now's your chance to apply Machiavellian theory to a more creative written project. Today you're in the driver's seat, since you'll be getting to decide what you want to do. Niccolo would be proud.

Step 1: For homework, review our page about the themes in The Prince.

Step 2: Your teacher will share two options for the written assignment. That's right, benevolent rulers that we are, we're giving you a choice.

Option 1: You're a politician (we're thinking local) and you're giving a speech to your public. We want you to use Machiavellian ideas to help change your community and spearhead a movement. What will you say to keep power, and keep the people happy? Your speech should be one and a half to two pages long (200 to 300 words) and really encompass Machiavelli's major ideas about power and a leader's role. (These opinions may not jive with your own; don't be afraid to get into character).

Option 2: You're the opposite of a politician; you're a poet, and you've been asked to present a Machiavellian poem. That's right. A Machiavellian poem that encompasses our man's major ideas. Ideally it will rhyme, because rhymes are awesome. However, it can be free verse too, man. Your poem should be one and a half to two pages long (200 to 300 words).

Have some fun with this assignment; if you want to include humor in your piece, all the better. The important thing is that your piece shows a grasp of the text's central ideas.

Step 3: When you're all set with your first draft, review it to ensure that it encompasses Machiavellian principles. Then you'll complete your final clean copy.

Step 4: Once you're done with your piece, whether speech or poem, you'll write a two paragraph (approximately 200 word) reflection that discusses which of Machiavelli's ideas you incorporated, with specific references to the text (including page numbers). This reflection is a way for you to take a moment to think about the process you went through while completing this assignment. It's an opportunity for metacognition. … it means thinking about thinking. Deep.

Step 5: Prep to present. The style of your presentation will vary based on your piece. You can sing, rap, or speak your creation (pleeeeassseeee sing). Remember, you have the power…for a little while, at least.