Pace University
Global History: Enlightenment
The core ideas of the Enlightenment—reason, knowledge, and freedom—represented a rebellion against the despotic control of absolute monarchs. As part of the study of the movement, class members assume the voice or either a monarch or an...
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Four Enlightenment Thinkers
High schoolers examine lives, philosophies, and political beliefs of four Enlightenment Thinkers: Baron de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. Students then work with partner to write short speech from...
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People of the Enlightenment -1600s & 1700s
In this people of the Enlightenment study guide worksheet, young scholars read the notes provided regarding Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire.
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The Spread of Enlightenment Ideas
Looking for a simple and straightforward reference on the Enlightenment for your young historians? Check out this list of key terms and important figures from the period, followed by a traditional assessment where your learners will be...
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How Man Negotiates Away His Natural Freedom
Students recognize that our legal-political system hasdeveloped through a process of moving from philosophical ideals to compromised working models. They apply John Locke's views to the development of U.S. political theory and systems.
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Quotes by Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire
In Enlightenment quotations study guide worksheet, students read quotations and identify the speakers as Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Peter the Great, Copernicus, Louis XIV, Galileo, Harvey, Kepler , Frederick the Great, or...
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Politics and Leadership
Students research a historic leader and analyze how a philosopher's writings influenced the ruler in an essay. In this philosophy of government lesson plan, students view a video and participate in a class discussion on how great...
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Neoclassical Influences
High schoolers analyze neoclassical art. In this art history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the art produced during the Enlightenment.
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A Rising People: Ben Franklin and the Americans
Students examine the Enlightenment Era and its philosophies, including philosophers. Students gain an understanding concerning what they new science was and what it led to through a series of lessons and a PowerPoint. the end by writing...
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students explore Enlightenment and Neoclassical art. In this visual arts instructional activity, students compare and contrast images of architecture from both styles. Students create visual art designs that feature the ideals of the...
iCivics
Why Government?
Why do people create governments? Where did we get our ideas about government? This is a fantastic introductory instructional activity for your American government class that begins by reviewing the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John...
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Salon Simulation
Students examine the role of the 'Salon'. In this historic communications lesson, students role play and use discussion to enhance their understanding of the role the Salon played in 18th century Europe. Students will divide into groups,...
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Neoclassical Influences
Students study how artists of the Neoclassical period were influenced by major historical events during the Enlightenment. They identify and analyze the Neoclassical style. discuss and identify the historical influences of Neoclassical...
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Neoclassical Influences
Students identify artists of the Neoclassical period and how they were influenced by major historical events during the Enlightenment as well as identify the Neoclassical style.In this Neoclassical art lesson plan, students discuss...
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How Man Negotiates Away His Natural Freedom
Students recognize that our legal-political system has developed through a process of moving from philosophical ideals to compromised working models.
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Influences of the Enlightenment on the American Declaration of Independence
Eighth graders participate in a lesson that focuses on the study of the Declaration of Independence. The freedoms outlined in the document are discussed. Students make connections between philosophy and the writing of the Declaration.
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students compare Neoclassical objects from the Getty collection to American civic architecture of the time. They discuss the moral and political ideas of the Enlightenment and articulate how these art forms influenced democratic thought...
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Heaven or Ground Hog Day?
Students discover the ideas of enlightenment by reading historical poetry. In this philosophical lesson, students read poems by Sir Walter Scott and Sergeant Joyce Kilmer while discussing the themes of the writing with classmates....
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Locke v. Hobbes
In this Hobbes and Locke study guide worksheet, high schoolers respond to 18 short answer questions. The questions correlate to assigned readings in a textbook.
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The Visions of Locke and Hobbes
In this visions of Locke and Hobbes study guide worksheet, pupils read the notes provided regarding government and add notes of their own.
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students investigate the influence of the Enlightenment on American society and government. In this Enlightenment lesson, students work cooperatively in groups to define the principles of the Enlightenment, American democracy, and...
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How Does Government Secure Natural Rights?
High schoolers explain why a government with a constitution is not necessarily a constitutional government, and identify alternative models of government that the Founders had to choose from.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: Religion and the Argument for American Independence
Young scholars examine how religion affected arguments justifying American independence. They read and analyze primary source documents, and write an essay analyzing how Americans used religious arguments to justify revolution against a...
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Fight For Your Right - Leading A Revolution of Change
High schoolers examine civil rights. In this civil rights lesson, students research human rights issues of United States history. High schoolers then discuss their research findings and write Bill of Rights statements for the topics they...