Andrew Eschle

10h Grade Advanced Placement U.S. History

Part of Unit 6; Day One: After the Exam

Lesson: Allegories as historical interpretive tools

Central Questions:
How can popular culture help us interpret historical events?

Learner Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

1. Understand the controversy surrounding historical interpretation
2. Understand how allegories can apply to history
3. Develop skills working in small groups
4. Create a comprehensive presentation

Materials needed:
Classroom space; computer lab with internet access; library materials; visual aids

Developmental Sequence:
Anticipatory Set:
Instructor asks students to recall specific characters from the movie The Wizard of Oz. Instructor guides discussion about allegorical connection to populism.

Body of the Lesson:
1. Instructor describes project to students
a. A rubric will be provided which includes
i. Clear expectations for student involvement in groups
ii. Clear expectations for quality of educational product
2. Instructor divides students into groups of five
a. Groups are given a choice of historical eras in which to analyze
1. Colonial history
2. American Revolution
3. Young Republic (1800-1825)
4. Jackson and Expansion
5. Crisis of Civil War
6. Reconstruction
7. The West
8. Rise of Big Business
9. American Imperialism
10. Progressive Era
11. 20th Century Foreign Policy
12. 20s and 30s
13. Cold War
14. 50s & Civil Rights
15. 60s & Vietnam
3. Students draw from popular culture to brainstorm possible connections
a. Students may choose any cultural product from visual or audio media
4. With instructor feedback, students pare down list and arrive at a consensus
5. Students begin work on construction of project

Assessment:
1. Teacher assesses student understanding throughout lesson.
2. Eventually, students will deliver presentation to the rest of the class.