Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of Nicolo Machiavelli and his contributions to political philosophy:
- Have you ever heard of the term “Machiavellian” and what it means in the context of politics or business?
- How do you think a person’s upbringing and education can influence their career choices and accomplishments?
- Can you think of a time when you had to navigate complex relationships or rivalries in your personal or professional life?
- What do you think are some key characteristics or skills that are essential for a successful diplomat or politician?
- How do you think the study of classical texts and history can inform our understanding of modern politics and society?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image and answer the following questions:
- What do you see in the image?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on this image?
- How does the image relate to the life and works of Nicolo Machiavelli?
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity and familiarize yourself with the life and works of Nicolo Machiavelli.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, “Machiavelli – The Prince of Political Philosophy Documentary,” and pause at the following points to reflect on the questions:
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: What were some of the key events and experiences that shaped Machiavelli’s early life and career? How did his classical education influence his writing and political philosophy?
- Pause at 15:00 minutes: What were some of the main ideas and arguments presented in “The Prince”? How did Machiavelli’s experiences as a diplomat and politician inform his writings?
- Pause at 25:00 minutes: What is Machiavelli’s legacy, and how have his writings influenced political thought and philosophy over time? What are some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding his ideas?
Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaUhrGPs9Gc
For more information, visit the original post: https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/machiavelli-the-prince-of-political-philosophy-documentary/
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the vocabulary related to Machiavelli’s life and works by completing the quiz:
- Which word means ‘a person who speaks on behalf of another, especially in business or politics’?
- What does ‘classical education’ refer to in the context of Machiavelli’s life?
- What was the main purpose of Machiavelli writing ‘The Prince’?
- What does ‘rhetorical’ mean in the context of literary techniques?
- What is the name of the book where Machiavelli outlines his ideas on military theory and practice?
Check your answers with the answer key provided.
Grammar Focus:
Review the grammar focus on the use of the past perfect tense and complete the quiz:
- By the time Machiavelli became the second Chancellor of the Republic of Florence, he ____________________ a classical education.
- Before Machiavelli wrote “The Prince”, he ____________________ as a diplomat and negotiator for Florence.
- By the time Lorenzo the Magnificent died, Machiavelli ____________________ university lectures on classical texts.
- Before he proposed constitutional reforms for Florence, Machiavelli ____________________ the city’s government for several years.
- By the time Machiavelli wrote “The History of Florence”, he ____________________ a deep understanding of the city’s history.
Check your answers with the answer key provided.
