Southern Strategy Workbook on Race, Politics & Media Literacy
Examine how racial politics, coded language, and electoral strategy shaped American political power.
The Southern Strategy offers a way to explore the relationship between race, political messaging, and changes in party support. This Smart Brown Girl workbook helps learners investigate those connections through historical context, election analysis, and guided inquiry.
Students examine how political appeals communicate different meanings to different audiences and how media coverage influences their interpretation. Maps, data exercises, and policy analysis encourage learners to evaluate evidence and consider the consequences of political decisions.
What’s Inside
Historical context and a timeline tracing key developments
Key figures and political strategy analysis
Coded language exercises examining messaging and audience
Election maps and data interpretation
Policy analysis exploring outcomes and long-term effects
Discussion questions and reflection prompts
Activities and analytical tools for guided or independent learning
What Learners Will Practice
The workbook helps students assess political language in its historical context, distinguish explicit statements from implied messages, and support interpretations with evidence. They’ll also explore how electoral shifts relate to broader changes in policy and institutional power.
These skills extend to other historical topics and media literacy work, giving learners a framework for questioning claims and evaluating how public narratives are constructed.
Who It’s For
Designed for high school classrooms, college courses, and homeschool learning, this resource supplements U.S. History, African American history, civics, government, and social studies instruction. It also supports independent learners and discussion groups interested in race and American politics.
Use it during Black History Month or as part of a unit on elections, political communication, or media literacy.
Format and Delivery
Instant digital download
Printable PDF workbook
Suitable for printed activities or digital assignment
This is a digital product. No physical item will be shipped.
This workbook supports evidence-based analysis and thoughtful discussion of race, language, and political strategy.
