National Woman's History Museum
Feminist Philosophers of the 20th Century
Reclaim forgotten philosophers of the twentieth century. Feminist philosophers have shaped our current concepts of politics and gender, but they are seldom mentioned in the classroom. Change that omission with a lesson plan that includes...
Curated OER
Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers
Middle schoolers cite connections among Franklin's Albany Plan of 1754, his Plan of Confederation of 1775 and the U.S. Constitution and/or the Declaration of Independence. In an essay, they give examples of the philosophical and...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Comparison of Political Ideologies in the Context of Constitutional Preambles
High schoolers examine the various philosophies that form the foundations of political systems of major world countries.
K20 LEARN
Ancient Philosophy: Greeks or Romans?
While often not recognized, the ideas of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers still echo today. Using a series of videos and graphic organizers, individuals explore how ancient Greeks and Romans have influenced current Western political...
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...
National Endowment for the Humanities
"An Expression of the American Mind": Understanding the Declaration of Independence
Students research the structure of the Declaration: introduction, main political/philosophical ideas, grievances and assertion of sovereignty. They analyze the ideological/political origins of the ideas in the Declaration. Students...
Curated OER
George Washington & the Classics
Students will compare and contrast famous philosophers with George Washington. In this history lesson, students work in small groups to define Classicism, Legalism, Democracy, Republic and Civility, then read some short excerpts so that...
Curated OER
Late 19th Century U.S. Foreign Policy
Eleventh graders discover that many of the issues the United States faces today elicit the same type of political, philosophical and moral debate that has divided the country in the past.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Jefferson vs. Franklin: Revolutionary Philosophers
Students examine the contributions of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to American Independence. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, read and discuss primary source documents, and complete a chart.
Curated OER
Phiolosophy and Politics
Students study about Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates and how their role affected the Greek culture. They look at a video clip from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and note similarities and differences from the movie and what is in...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
English Literature: An Overview
Relate literary works and authors to the major themes of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 20th century. Working in groups, high schoolers will evaluate period philosophy, religion, and politics that influenced...
Curated OER
Leaders, Laborers, and Other Perspectives of World War II
How did the women in France feel about their country’s involvement in World War II? Class groups are assigned a country involved in WWII, and individuals within the group adopt the point of view of leaders, laborers, businessmen, women,...
Curated OER
Louisa May Alcott: The Candle and the Mirror
High schoolers discuss the life of Louisa May Alcott and create an outline of a biography of her life and times. In this Louisa May Alcott lesson, students explore the Transcendentalist involvement in the abolitionist movement, relating...
Curated OER
Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom
Students view a documentary on Thomas Jefferson. Statesman, scientist, architect, president-he was America's dashing Renaissance man. After viewing, students discuss what they saw then write their own version of a biography of Thomas...
Curated OER
Philosophical Conflict and the Founding of New Societies: Gandhi and Nehru in India, and Jefferson and Hamilton in the United States
Learners explore the foundations of "new societies" such as those created by figures like Jefferson & Ghandi, The evaluate the differences between what was intended and the actual reality of these societies including where the came...
PBS
Making Change: Revolutionary Tactics of the Civil Rights Movement
The film American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs introduces viewers to the differing philosophies of and strategies employed by 1960s civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the debate over...
Curated OER
Justice Demands an End to Segregation, But it Does Not End
Learners define human rights and describe how it applies to politics, economics and cultural rights. As a class, they watch a video how the Constitution was made and discuss its purpose. In groups, they present information to the class...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
The Harlem Renaissance: Black American Traditions
High schoolers examine the time period of the Harlem Renaissance. As a class, they are introduced to five artists and discuss their art and techniques. Using the internet, they also research the philosophers of the time period and how...
Curated OER
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,...
Curated OER
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.