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Renowned documentary Split: A Divided America examines the political divide in our democracy with the goal of helping young voters
understand that citizenship and political engagement go far beyond the polarized struggle we see today. Director Kelly Nyks created the film
to help foster a dialogue among viewers about the current political climate and the need to move beyond partisan animosity. The film
journeys across America, as conversations with citizens, party leaders, political celebrities and media pundits help viewers gain a greater
understanding of our politics and the nature of the divide currently cleaving it.

This teachers’ guide is a companion to the film and provides class activities, discussion topics, handouts, primary sources and assignments
suggestions for further study. It is designed to be both accessible to students with limited historical and civic knowledge and thought
provoking for even the most advanced students. Our ultimate goal for the film and lesson plans is that students emerge as more informed and
motivated citizens.

The discussion-based nature of the activities in the lesson plans reflects the belief that students learn best through civil discourse and debate
and echoes the philosophy that democracy can only function if all citizens engage in dialogue on topics of public interest. Only through
discussing and learning about the challenges facing our nation can students be prepared to act on them.

The teacher’s guide is divided into six lessons plans, each of which corresponds to a chapter of the film. Each lesson covers a single class
period and while ideally taught as a series, they have been designed to be equally effective when taught separately.

The general lesson structure is as follows:

1. Class viewing of the selected film chapter

2. Discussion of the ideas raised in the film,
incorporating students’ personal
experiences
3. Classroom activity
4. Lesson wrap-up and homework
assignment

LESSON #1: Introducing the Split corresponds

to the first chapter of the film: “Divide.” Its
focus is on introducing the themes of the film
through interviews, maps, graphics and historical
documents to bring questions about the divide
alive. In addition to the content covered, it is
also introduces critical thinking skills to students
with a focus on interpreting primary sources.

LESSON #2: Discourse corresponds to the “Discourse” chapter of the film. Building on the previous lesson’s ideas, it focuses on the vital
role of discourse in our political process exploring concepts such as ‘the marketplace of ideas’ and political rhetoric in our election cycles.

LESSON #3: How does Religion Divide Us? accompanies the “Faith” chapter of the film. It provides historical context of faith in America,
introduces the Constitution’s treatment of religions issues and explores the nature of the religious divide in our politics.

LESSON #4: How does the Media Divide Us? accompanies the “Media” chapter of the film. It frames a classroom discussion about the
First Amendment and the state of the media in America today, and provides detailed instructions for a project (completed in class or as
homework) in which students examine the quality, comprehensiveness and objectivity of various news sources.

LESSON #5: How do Campaigns Divide Us? accompanies the “Campaigns” chapter of the film. It gives the opportunity to engage in
debate concerning three key elements of our electoral system: the electoral college, campaign finance and gerrymandering. Through
discussion of these topics, the lesson provides students the skill set to understand key debates in today’s politics.

LESSON #6: What Next? The Split and Citizen Action looks at one possible remedy for our political challenges: a more enlightened and
engaged citizenry. The lesson begins with a focus on historical civic activism and proceeds to give students a framework for civic activism in
their own communities. Arguably the most important lesson in the entire curriculum, it is designed to help prepare students for a long-term
commitment to political engagement.