Name: McEachern, Stacie
E-mail: smceachern@yahoo.com
Topic: "Like a wild band of Razorback hogs." - The story of the University
of Arkansas Razorbacks
Grade: 8th grade (could be adapted for different grade levels)
Time: 45 minutes
Ark. Hist. Framework: 3.1.8,3.1.9,3.1.10,3.1.13,3.1.14 (for grades
7-12)
Objective: TLW distinguish the differences between state and privately
funded universities.
TLW analyze the cultural influence through traditions and beliefs.
TLW compare and contrast Arkansas geographical cultures.
Set: (Play the Arkansas fight song from the Internet.) See how many
responded with cheers. Ask "What is a razorback? What does woo pig! sooie!
mean?"
Materials: Razorback fight song (internet or through tape/CD and CD/tape
player), Arkansas history text, markers/colors, paper, scissors, tape,
etc.
Key Terms: pig sooie, razorback, University of Arkansas, Morrill Land-Grant
College Act, land grant universities
Key Facts: *University of Arkansas was developed under the Morrill
Land-Grant College Act of 1862.
*Arkansas Constitution of 1868 provides that the General Assembly
"establish and maintain a State University."
*First classes were held on January 22,1872.
*The first football game was played in 1894.
*University of Arkansas orginal mascot was the cardinal.
*1910 Coach Hugo Bezdeck nicknamed the team the "razorbacks" after
defeating Louisiana State University.
*1914 Razorbacks became the University of Arkansas' new team
mascot.
Activities: Teacher will elaborate on the history of the University of
Arkansas. Class discussion debating on the accuracy of the mascot for the
representation of the entire state. Students will then divide into groups
and design a "new" mascot, logo and fan cheer.
Closure: Summarize the history of land grant and publically funded
universities. Class vote on the "best" mascot presented by each group against
the Razorback.
Assessment: Informal: Validity of arguments during class
debate.
Formal: Information will be included on unit exam.
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