Objectives
The objectives for this unit are closely aligned with Delaware state standards in social studies, particularly within the strands of history and economics. The objectives will focus on primary sources, continuity and change, and rhetoric.
Students will understand the importance of primary sources. Primary sources are the same as original sources. Primary sources include a person with direct knowledge of a situation or a document created by such a person. Primary sources may include, but are not limited to diary entries, letters, newspaper articles, photographs, and political cartoons. The students will be able to analyze primary sources. Critical examination of historical materials requires logical analysis, an appreciation of context, and an understanding of the principles of evidence to trace the development of societies over a prolonged period of time in order to explain patterns of continuity and change. Thus historical inquiry is not limited to the study of specific events, but may also focus on ideas or trends, which extend across space and time. It is through asking questions that our comprehension of what we read becomes deeper or clearer. Inquiry and analysis is a key to thinking, learning, and solving problems. Thus students will investigate and analyze primary sources associated with standard of living and human rights issues in developing countries.
Through study and research students will understand that past events and conditions do have an impact on present and even future events and conditions. Students will be able to determine cause and effect scenarios and make predictions about future scenarios. Researching and analyzing historical materials, both primary and secondary sources, afford students the opportunity to understand what causes some things to remain in tact and some things to change. Thus the second objective for this unit calls for students to understand key causes for and possible political impacts (effects) of the MDGs on people in developing countries, which may or may not result in change.
Students will understand at least one way that change happens. The power of words should not be underestimated in effecting change, especially political change. Rhetoric has the potential to yield successful change. One advantage of teaching an art of rhetoric as a tool of effective communication may help students understand the power of language and words to move others to action. With this understanding, students may be more motivated to learn about the history of their particular country as well as their audience. They can then use that knowledge of the history and traditions of a country's culture in a more critical way as they craft their persuasive speeches. The third objective for this unit requires students to recognize and understand the power of words and images. A speaker must be credible to her audience by behaving decently, demonstrating practical judgment, and emitting goodwill. The speaker analyzes her audience and knows that she can influence them by knowing their values, beliefs, and experiences. The speaker prepares an argument by using accurate data, providing evidence, and leading the audience to make inferences or decisions in her favor. Thus students will make the connection between the speaker, the audience, and the message by applying Aristotle's concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos (see below) to write a purposeful, persuasive appeal to bring about global political change.
Comments: