The World History Collection at Primary Source: Lesson Plans
Religious Empires as a Way of State Building and Justified Injustices
Theodora Abdur-Rahim, Hyde Park High School
This lesson looks at Islamic empires during the thirteenth through seventeenth centuries. Focus is on emperors and methods of rule in the Ottoman and Mughal empires. With short readings. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Perceptions and Cultural Conflict: The Aztecs and the Spaniards in 1519 A.D.
Peter Arthur & Kevin Riley, Salem High School
A world history lesson that examines cultural conflict during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, during the sixteenth century. A self-contained lesson with images, primary documents and secondary readings. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Long Term Changes in Man's Relationship to Time as an Ongoing Effect of the Industrial Revolution
Pamela E. Baafi, Teacher of Special Needs Students in the Learning Center, Burlington H.S.
A world history lesson for special needs high school students. Examines changing conceptions of time in different cultural milieus, as they transitioned from an agricultural to an industrial way of life. Contains student exercises. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Politics of Fear: Human rights Abuses and the Struggle for Democracy in Latin America. Case Study: Chile
Kathleen M. Boynton
A world history lesson using poetry, songs and primary documents in a series of class activities. Its subject matter is the effect of human rights abuses in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship of 1973-1990, and the resistance movement during this period. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Illustrative Power of Myth
Erin Carroll, Brooks School
This lesson asks students to read a variety of creation myths from civilizations around the world, ancient and modern. They then answer a series of questions. Includes myths, and classroom activities. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
European Renaissance
Barbara Dunn, Framingham High School
A world history lesson in which students read primary and secondary sources, make a map, use worksheets and in-class activities to learn about as pects of Renaissance Europe ca. 1300-1600. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 9," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Africa
Jessica Goonan
A world history lesson focusing on Africa, 500-1500 C.E. Looks at geography, early civilizations and kingdoms, trade routes, and cultural aspects. Day-by-day lesson plans involve producing maps, an almac, a trading simulation and primary sources. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Origins of the Cold War
Michael Heichman, Chelsea H.S.
Focuses on relations between the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. during and after World War II, and how a "cold war" developed between the two countries. Uses short readings and primary documents to generate discussion and writing. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Arab culture at a glance: teacher's guide
Hidayet, Nadia
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Hedaya Tech, 1999
An overview of Arab culture, customs, geography, holidays, and other information suitable for elementary school children. Includes lessons in writing Arabic letters and numbers. (ES)
Goha, His Son and the Donkey
Translated by Nadia Hidayet; illustrated by Kathleen Bishop
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Hedaya Tech, 1999
A translation of an Arab folktale, with illustrations
Look & Count through the Arab World: Numbers in Arabic & English
Hidayet, Nadia
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Hedaya Tech, 1999
A lesson aimed at elementary-grade children which demonstrattes how to write the Arabic equivalents for Western numerals, using illustrrations of the numerals and phonetic spellings of the Arabic words for the numbers and for counted objects. The latter are chosen for their cultural relevance in the Arab world, and accompanied by explanatory information (ES)
Japan's Modernization
Lori Hodin, Swampscott H.S.
A world history lesson which analyzes Japan's political and industrial modernization and its interaction with the imperialist powers of the nineteenth century. Covers the period 1850-1908. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
A Decade of Milestones: 1450-1460
Ken Hughes, Dracut Sr. H.S.
This lesson takes a journalistic approach focusing on events in Europe, China, the Middle East, and Latin America, and asks students to create a "newspaper" based on these events. Contains a strong geography component, includes maps, readings. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Urban Coffeehouses: Brewers of Controversy. A World History Unit for Secondary School Teachers
Deborah Smith Johnston
This unit examines history, world trade, culture and politics through the lens of the development of coffee as a commodity and a cultural phenomenon, focusing particularly on the urban coffeehouse in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Primary sources, exercises and daily lessons. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Power of Folktale
Margaret Kane and Ramon Finner, Medford High School
This unit provides extensive background reading analyzing the folktale in different cultures. Through in-class activities students gain a basic understanding of the cultural importance of folktales, then, on their own, write a research paper analyzing one folktale. Includes rubric for research paper. Created by teacher participants in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It provides in-class activities and homework and a research paper as a culminating activity of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Connections in World Religions: Abraham and the Covenant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. An Instructional Unit for High School Students of World History and/or World Religions.
Timothy J. Kenslea
A world history lesson using readings from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Quran to look at how the idea of monotheism and a covenant with a god evolved in different religions and cultural traditions. Contains readings, worksheets, quizzes and assessments. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Age of Imperialism, 1850-1914: Interpreting Varied Perspectives
Maureen McCallion, Framingham H.S.
Using primary sources, students analyze short primary documents and illustrations (included) and answer a series of questions. Focuses mainly on British colonialism in Africa. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Peace to End All Peace: A Simulation of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles
Matthew E. McKeon and William Carroll
This lesson is centered around an in-class role play activity about the treaty ending World War I. Includes worksheets, primary documents, and supplementary readings. Created by teacher participants in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," for teachers in the Northeast Alliance of High Schools, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Creation of the Nation States of Germany, Italy, & Japan
Carol T. Mitchell, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
Boston, Mass.: Northeastern University, World History Center, 1999
A lesson created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It examines the creation of nation-states in Germany and Italy in the late nineteenth century, and the Meiji Restoration in Japan during the same period. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course.
Alternative Enlightenment Salon
Carol Morse, Westford Academy
A world history lesson that teaches students about the people and ideas that fostered the Enlightenment, focusing on European and New World figures of the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. Role playing activities, assignments and readings included. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Vietnam: A Teacher's Guide
Thomas Murray, Foxboro H.S.
A world history leson plan which uses letters home from U.S. soldiers in the Vietnam War Contains historical background on the war, transcripts of actual letters, and an excercise in which students write their own letters. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Turning Points in Russian History
Marcia Okun, Newton South H.S.
A world history lesson focused on Russian History from ca. 1300-1800. Uses maps, readings, primary documents, and video to study geographic changes in Russia, as well as changes in the cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Invented Traditions: A Comparison of Mexican Murals and Soviet Posters
Kristin Palmer
A world history lesson using Soviet posters and Mexican murals to analyze revolutionary and post-revolutionar society in those countries in the early twentieth century. Includes structured activities and worksheets, some based on included photocopies of artwork. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
World War I: Propaganda and Alliances
Sonja Platt, Wakefield High School
A lesson in which students use knowledge gained in class to analyze wartime propaganda posters and make comparisons between different nations' use of same. Includes supplementary readings, worksheets, and illustrations for group and individual activities. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," for teachers in the Northeast Alliance of High Schools, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Let the Games Begin
Kenneth Portnoy, Hamilton-Wenham Regional H.S.
A lesson focusing on ancient culture in Rome and China by way of studying spectator sporting events--the Roman games and a dragon boat race in China. Short historical readings, an in-class and written exercise. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Center/Periphery Conflict: USA-Cuba
Paul Salomon, Dorchester H.S.
A world history lesson focusing on conflict and conflict resolution based on study of relations between the United States and Cuba during the twentieth century. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Doors and Windows to Humanity: Playing with Architecture
Lori Shaller
A world history lesson that looks at specific styles of architecture from the nineteenth century, examining different cultures through the creation and use of living structures. Contains worksheets, role plays, readings and bibliography. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
God, Gold, and Glory, A Unit for World History: European Expansion and Exploration, 1400-1600
S. Simpson, Dorchester H.S.
This unit examines European exploitation of the Americas, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, looking at events and conditions in Europe and in the Americas. Includes work sheet activities on "explorers." Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Human Origins and Early Life
Thakur Singh, Full Circle H.S.
A world history lesson plan focusing on human evolution from prehistory to 1000 B.C.E. A secondary focus is the geography of Africa and how it affected early humans. The lesson incorporates readings, assignments and worksheets into daily lessons, and contains an annotated bibliography. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a week-long segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Griots and Minstrels: The Music of Mali and France in the High Middle Ages
Adam Steiner, Westborough H.S.
This lesson uses music to make cultural comparisons between Africa and Europe in the fourteenth century, and also with contemporary society. Unit contains lyrics, short readings, and extensive music bibliography. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
The Hajj: Unifying the Community
Ann Tassinari, Hamilton-Wenham Regional School
A lesson on the Hajj, or pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Background readings examine the hajj in religious and historical context, then students answer questions based on a viewing of the film Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee, and a brief reading from The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Human Rights: A Thematic Approach
Ron Toleos, Wenham Regional H.S.
A lesson dealing with human rights and democracy since 1945. It presents readings, primary documents, participatory excercises, and a worksheet. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Why Did So Many Native Americans Die Early after 1492?: A Lesson for 10th Grade World History
William Tucker, Lowell Catholic H.S.
This lesson uses short readings by historians to address the horrendous death rate among Native Americans after contact with Europeans in the fifteenth century. Issues of geography, epidemiology, politics, and culture are discussed. Question sheets keyed to the readings are provided. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
China the Beautiful: Literature and Culture
Donna Whiting, Plymouth North H.S.
A world history lesson plan looking at Chinese literature from a historical perspective Extensive excerpts of prose poetry and folktales are provided, and students use a timeline to match authors and their writing with historical events that may have influenced their lives. Examines the role of women, and also the consumption of food in Chinese society and culture.
Vietnam in World History: What the Presidents Should Have Known
Wingrove, Georgia, Burlington H.S.
Offers historical background on Vietnam's nationalist movement through which it obtained independence from France, and analyzes events leading up to the American invasion of Vietnam, 1961-1975. Worksheets, exercises and primary documents focus on Vietnam in relation to the U.S. and the world. Created by a teacher participant in the 1999 workshop of the World History Center, "World History for Grade 10," supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a one-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course (HS)
Responsibility, Authority and Power: Rulers of the Early 16th Century
Leslie A. Yauckoes, Lowell H.S.
This unit explores the idea and reality of leadership, by examining world leaders of the early 1500s. Students read selections from Mencius and Machiavelli, among others. Exercises incorporate visual representations of world leaders. Created by a teacher participant in the 1998 workshop of the World History Center, "A Thematic Approach to World History," for teachers of grades 9 and 10, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Education. It is intended as a five-day segment of the curriculum in a secondary world history course. (HS)
Primary Source Library
May 2005
