Directions: Use the themes, questions and video clips below to teach and learn with portions of C-SPAN's American Writers program featuring Will Rogers and Roger-isms: The Cowboy Philospher on Prohibition. Link to the complete video clip list to identify clip descriptions and create your own lessons. Each theme contains questions and video clips appropriate for varying grade levels. Lesson Credit: Curriculum Advisory Team Member Betsy Fitzgerald.

1. What does it mean to be "even-handed" as a political commentator? How did Rogers explain his own philosophy about political criticism? With what groups was Rogers more critical? Why? Was Rogers "even-handed?"
2. What does being a 'populist' have to do with being fair?
3. How did his actions underscore his commentary, especially regarding the economy? How did his style and personality impact the power of his message?
4. Describe his speech in 1932 about Franklin D. Roosevelt. What was the occasion of the speech? The purpose? How did Rogers approach the speech? What techniques did he use to make his point? What was his impact on the audience? Was Roosevelt pleased with the speech? Why or why not?
5. How would you describe Rogers' humor? How did he use humor in his commentary? What impact did Rogers have on his audience? How does he differ from typical political commentators today?

1. What communications technology did Rogers use? What allowed him to reach the largest audience? With whom did Rogers communicate? Who listened to him? What was appealing about him?
2. How was Rogers representative of his times? List two ways. Would he have been as popular if he had been born in another era? Explain.
3. Explain the quote, "It's great to be great but it's better to be human." How did it apply to Rogers?
4. Was Rogers' radio show popular? What did radio allow him to do?
5. Was Will Rogers a leader? Explain your answer.

1. What were some of the signs of economic prosperity in the 1920's? For example, what was "installment buying?" What was Rogers' view of borrowing money, using credit, mortgaging land? What was his view of the banks?
2. What did he observe about the disparity in wealth? What did he believe to be true about the impact of wealth on America and Americans?
3. What were his views on the income tax?
4. What criticism did Rogers have of Herbert Hoover about his handling of the effects of the depression? What values did he admire in Franklin Delano Roosevelt?
5. How much foresight did Rogers have regarding economic issues? Have more Americans embraced his views, or fewer? What would he say about the personal economic condition of Americans today? What about other economic policies?