Unit 3
Semester 2: Sweat
Semester 2: Sweat
Unit Overview/Summary:
In this unit, we walk through the sands of time to remember the blood, beauty, and sweat that contributed to the further development of the Puerto Rican and Latino social and economic structures. These cultures have demonstrated endurance and resilience during countless trials. Even through difficult times, they have nurtured their roots with their ancestors' culture. Perseverance, optimism, and fortitude are the hallmarks of Latinos’ striving for equity. The permanent emotional connection with their culture and identity keep them reimagining their independence, economic growth, and prosperity.
Unit Duration:
14 Days
Relevant Standards:
Standards Coding Key:
Civ= Civics Geo= Geography Eco= Economics His= History Inq= Inquiry
Content Standards
HIST 9–12.4 Analyze how historical contexts shaped and continue to shape people’s perspectives (e.g., immigration, labor, the role of women).
CIV 9–12.3 Analyze the impact of constitutions, laws, treaties, and international agreements on the maintenance of national and international order.
CIV 9–12.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of citizens and institutions in solving social and political problems.
ECO 9–12.1 Analyze how incentives influence choices that may result in policies with a range of costs and benefits for different groups.
From CT Core Standards for English Language Arts (i.e., Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.5 Analyze how a text uses structure to emphasize key points or advance an explanation or analysis.
From CT English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards (i.e., Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language)
CELP.9-12.4.L.6 Acquire and use accurate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Examples and Explanations:
HIST 9–12.4:
Purpose: This standard aims to help students understand how historical contexts, such as colonization and early encounters between Europeans and Indigenous peoples, have shaped and continue to influence perspectives on key issues like migration, cultural identity, and social roles.
Real-World Application:Understanding how historical contexts shape perspectives enables students to critically assess how past events influence current views and societal norms. This skill is crucial for analyzing contemporary social issues, historical narratives, and policies, fostering a deeper comprehension of how history impacts modern identities and attitudes.
CIV 9–12.3:
Purpose: This standard focuses on evaluating how legal frameworks and agreements have influenced national and international relations. In the context of this unit, it involves examining how treaties and colonial policies affected the rights and status of Indigenous peoples and how these legal structures continue to impact contemporary Latino societies.
Real-World Application: Analyzing the impact of legal and international agreements helps students understand how laws shape societal structures and international relations. This knowledge is applicable in fields like law, diplomacy, and public policy, where understanding the effects of legal frameworks on different groups is essential for effective governance and advocacy.
Purpose: This standard involves assessing how individuals and institutions address and solve social and political issues. In the unit, students will evaluate historical and modern efforts to address the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and the role of various actors in advocating for social justice and policy changes.
Real-World Application: Evaluating the effectiveness of problem-solving efforts equips students with the ability to assess and improve current strategies for addressing social and political issues. This skill is vital for careers in social activism, public administration, and community leadership, where evaluating and enhancing solutions to societal challenges is a key responsibility.
Purpose: This standard helps students understand how incentives drive decision-making and policy development. In the context of this unit, it involves analyzing how economic and political incentives influenced European colonizers' policies toward Indigenous peoples and how these policies had varying impacts on different groups.
Real-World Application: Understanding how incentives shape choices and policies is crucial for analyzing and designing effective public policies. This insight is applicable in economics, business, and policy-making, where evaluating the costs and benefits of decisions helps create more equitable and effective solutions.
Purpose: This standard focuses on understanding how the structure of a text contributes to its meaning and effectiveness. In the unit, students will analyze historical texts and narratives about Latino civilizations and European encounters to understand how authors use structure to highlight significant events and arguments.
Real-World Application: Analyzing text structure enhances students' ability to critically evaluate and synthesize information. This skill is valuable for academic research, effective writing, and media literacy, where understanding how structure influences interpretation helps in constructing and analyzing arguments and explanations.
CELP.9-12.4.L.6:
Purpose: This standard emphasizes the importance of expanding and using a robust vocabulary for effective communication and comprehension. In the unit, students will develop and use academic and domain-specific vocabulary related to ancient Latino civilizations and European colonization, enhancing their ability to engage with complex texts and discussions.
Real-World Application: Acquiring and using precise vocabulary supports academic success and effective communication in various professional fields. This skill is essential for writing detailed reports, participating in informed discussions, and understanding specialized texts, preparing students for higher education and diverse career paths.
Transfer Goal: Aligned to District Vision of a Graduate
Aligned to District Vision of a Graduate
A Critical Thinker
applies unbiased analysis and evaluation
evaluates sources of information for reliability
willing to adapt to new information and question things
A Problem Solver
collaborative
can persevere and adapt
An Effective Communicator
Actively listens
Clearly and concisely conveys information for shared understanding
Coherence:
How does this unit build on and connect to prior knowledge and learning?
Historical Context: Previous studies of early Latino civilizations and European encounters. This unit extends the historical narrative by examining the evolution of Puerto Rican and Latino social and economic structures from colonial times to the present. It builds on the foundational understanding of early influences, integrating these with the resilience and socio-economic development of Latino communities over time.
Cultural Foundations: Earlier explorations of indigenous civilizations and the impacts of Spanish colonization. This unit deepens the exploration of how cultural heritage and ancestral roots have been preserved and transformed. It links the enduring cultural resilience of Latino communities to earlier studies of cultural foundations, illustrating how historical experiences have shaped and sustained cultural identity.
Social and Economic Structures: Previous discussions of migration patterns, labor history, and social movements. The unit connects to earlier learning by examining the development of Latino social and economic structures. It explores how migration, labor contributions, and social movements have influenced contemporary social and economic conditions, highlighting the role of perseverance and equity in this evolution.
Cultural Resilience and Identity: Prior studies of cultural diffusion and the impact of historical events on cultural identities.This unit reinforces the theme of cultural resilience by showcasing how Puerto Rican and Latino communities have maintained and adapted their cultural identities through historical challenges. It links past experiences of cultural disruption and adaptation to current expressions of cultural pride and identity.
By connecting these themes, the unit provides a comprehensive understanding of how historical experiences, cultural resilience, and socio-economic development are interwoven, enhancing students’ appreciation of the complex dynamics shaping Latino communities today.
How does this unit prepare students for future learning?
Enhanced Critical Thinking and Analysis: By exploring the historical development, cultural resilience, and socio-economic contributions of Latino communities, students develop advanced critical thinking skills. They learn to evaluate how historical events and cultural persistence shape socio-economic structures and identities, preparing them for complex analysis and evaluation tasks in higher education and professional settings.
In-Depth Research Skills: The unit emphasizes the integration of evidence from various sources to understand historical and cultural contexts. This approach enhances students' research skills, which are essential for conducting thorough and rigorous research projects in advanced academic studies and professional fields.
Understanding Socio-Economic Dynamics: By examining the development of social and economic structures within Latino communities, students gain a nuanced understanding of socio-economic dynamics and their historical roots. This knowledge is applicable in fields such as economics, sociology, and public policy, where understanding the interplay between history, culture, and economic systems is crucial.
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: The unit fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity by highlighting the resilience and identity of Latino communities. This prepares students to engage respectfully and effectively in diverse environments, enhancing their ability to interact with and understand various cultural perspectives in both academic and professional contexts.
Essential Questions:
How did power and hierarchy come together to create the social and economic structures of Puerto Rico and Latin America?
Enduring Understandings:
Explore how colonialism impacted the development of Latin America societies during a period of social, economic “transformation.”
Examine and interpret how Latin Americans and Puerto Ricans constructed and interpreted racial, ethnic, class, and gender identities as a result of historic and economic experiences of enslaved Africans in Latin America and in Puerto Rico.
Investigate the ways in which United States relations with Puerto Rico and Latin America help or hinder social and economic growth.
Examine specific role of Indigenous, Spaniards, and Africans in the formation of the Puerto Rican Nation.
Evaluate how severe economic policies impact the economic growth of Puerto Rico and Latin America currently.
What Students Will Know:
Understand the legacy of colonization and resistance among Puerto Rican and Latino populations, and how these historical contexts have shaped contemporary perspectives.
The experiences of enslaved natives and Africans in Latin America, and how these histories have influenced modern views on race, identity, and social justice.
How historical events like the Spanish encomienda system and the Latin American racial caste system continue to impact perceptions of race and class within Latino communities today.
How U.S. relations and policies toward Puerto Rico and Latin America have historically influenced and continue to shape social and economic development in these regions.
The role of U.S. laws and policies, such as La PROMESA and various acts implemented on Puerto Rico, in maintaining control and order in Puerto Rico, and the implications of these measures for Puerto Rico’s political and economic status.
The impact of international agreements and treaties on the political and social structure of Latin America, particularly in relation to the U.S. takeover of Puerto Rico and its lasting effects.
The development of Spanish America, including the establishment of the encomienda system, and how these early legal structures influenced the colonial order and relationships between Indigenous populations, African slaves, and European colonizers.
The effectiveness of these laws and agreements in maintaining or challenging national and international order within the context of Latin American history and U.S.-Latin American relations.
How citizens and institutions in Puerto Rico and Latin America have responded to social and political challenges, such as the debt crisis in Puerto Rico, through resistance, advocacy, and reform.
The role of Afro-Latino identity and resistance movements in addressing social and political issues within the broader Latino community.
The effectiveness of American foreign policy, as depicted in the documentary Harvest of Empire, in solving or exacerbating social and political problems in Latin America and immigration
The ongoing struggle for Puerto Rican self-determination and how various laws, acts, and citizen movements have either advanced or hindered this effort.
How economic incentives, such as those underlying the Spanish encomienda system, influenced the establishment and perpetuation of systems of slavery in Latin America, and the costs and benefits of these systems for different social groups.
The economic policies imposed by the U.S. on Puerto Rico, such as La PROMESA, and their impact on the island's debt crisis, exploring who benefits and who bears the costs.
The economic motivations behind U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, as explored in Harvest of Empire, and how these policies have affected different populations within Latin America.
The incentives driving U.S. slavery and Latin American slavery, and the resulting economic and social outcomes for enslaved populations and colonizers.
Tthe structure of historical texts and documentaries, such as Harvest of Empire, to understand how they emphasize key points about U.S. foreign policy and its impact on Latin America.
How identity poetry uses structure to convey complex themes of race, identity, and resistance within the Afro-Latino community, and how these themes are emphasized through literary devices.
The use of narrative structure in historical accounts of events like the U.S. takeover of Puerto Rico and the implementation of La PROMESA, and how these structures influence the reader's understanding of the events.
Different textual structures in historical and literary sources to see how they advance specific explanations or analyses of Latino identity and history.
Vocabulary related to the history and culture of Latin America, including terms like "encomienda," "Afro-Latino," "La PROMESA," and "identity poetry," and understand their significance in historical and contemporary contexts.
The ability to independently research and understand domain-specific vocabulary related to Latin American history, particularly as it pertains to colonization, resistance, and U.S. foreign policy.
Academic vocabulary to articulate the complexities of Latin American and Puerto Rican history in discussions, essays, and presentations.
Accurate terminology when analyzing and discussing the impact of U.S. policies on Puerto Rico and Latin America, and when reflecting on the legacy of colonization and resistance within Latino populations.
What Students Will Do:
Assess the influence of colonization and resistance on the perspectives of Puerto Rican and Latino populations, using historical evidence to support their analysis.
Analyze primary and secondary sources to understand how the experiences of enslaved natives and Africans in Latin America have shaped modern perspectives on race and identity.
Evaluate how historical events like the Spanish encomienda system and Latin American racial caste system have influenced contemporary social structures and attitudes within Latino communities.
Examine U.S. foreign policies towards Puerto Rico and Latin America, and analyze how these policies have shaped economic and social development in these regions.
Interpret the impact of U.S. laws and policies, such as La PROMESA and other acts, on Puerto Rico’s political and economic status, using legal documents and historical accounts.
Analyze the role of international treaties and agreements in shaping the political and social structure of Latin American countries, and evaluate their effectiveness in maintaining national and international order.
Examine the historical development of Spanish America, including the legal structures such as the encomienda system, and assess how these influenced colonial order and relationships between various populations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legal structures in promoting or challenging national and international order, drawing on case studies from Latin American history and U.S.-Latin American relations.
Investigate the responses of citizens and institutions in Puerto Rico and Latin America to social and political challenges, and assess their effectiveness in creating change.
Evaluate the role of Afro-Latino identity and movements in addressing social and political issues within the Latino community, using historical examples and contemporary analysis.
Analyze the strategies depicted in the documentary Harvest of Empire to understand how U.S. foreign policy has impacted social and political issues in Latin America, and evaluate their effectiveness.
Reflect on the ongoing struggle for Puerto Rican self-determination, and analyze the role of citizen movements and legal measures in advancing or hindering this effort.
Examine how economic incentives influenced the creation and perpetuation of the Spanish encomienda system and other colonial policies, and analyze the resulting costs and benefits for different social groups.
Evaluate the economic policies imposed by the U.S. on Puerto Rico, such as La PROMESA, and analyze their impact on different groups within Puerto Rico, using economic data and policy analysis.
Analyze the incentives driving U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, as depicted in Harvest of Empire, and assess how these policies benefited or harmed various populations.
Compare and contrast the economic incentives behind U.S. slavery and Latin American slavery, and evaluate the social and economic outcomes for different groups involved.
Analyze the structure of historical texts and documentaries, such as Harvest of Empire, to understand how they emphasize key points about U.S. foreign policy and its impact on Latin America.
Evaluate how identity poetry uses literary structure to convey themes of race, identity, and resistance, and analyze how these themes are emphasized through specific literary devices.
Examine the narrative structure of historical accounts, such as those describing the U.S. takeover of Puerto Rico, and analyze how this structure influences the reader's understanding of the events.
Compare different textual structures in historical and literary sources to see how they advance explanations or analyses of Latino identity and history.
Research and acquire domain-specific vocabulary related to Latin American history and culture, and apply these terms accurately in discussions, essays, and presentations.
Analyze the significance of academic and domain-specific vocabulary in understanding the complexities of Latin American history, particularly in the context of colonization, resistance, and U.S. foreign policy.
Develop and use a robust academic vocabulary to articulate complex ideas about Latin American and Puerto Rican history in both written and oral formats.
Independently gather and use vocabulary knowledge to enhance comprehension and expression when analyzing historical texts, documentaries, and other media related to Latin American and Puerto Rican history.
Demonstration of Learning:
Pre-Assessment/Common Misconceptions
Pre-Assessment: KWL about what students know about the topics that will be studied in the unit
Formative Assessments/Checks for Understanding
Exit Tickets and 3 2 1
Venn Diagram
Compare and Contrast “slavery”
Debate on Encomienda system
Socio-political-economic timeline
Performance Tasks and Criteria/Project-Based Applications (Aligned with Compelling Question)
Status of Puerto Rico Project
Unit Specific Vocabulary and Terminology:
Encomienda System
Conquistadores
Inequality
Plantation society
Spanish Colonial period
Caste System
Ethnic Identity
Indigenismo
Mestizaje
Policy
Intervention
Citizenship
Foraker Act
Jones Act
936 Section of the IRS
disenfranchised
La PROMESA
Aligned Unit Materials, Resources, and Technology:
Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Connections:
Economics - compare/contrast other economic systems with encomiendas
ELA - Identity poems and Caste analysis
Spanish - Tie in PR culture/language with PR status project
Opportunities for Application of Learning:
Status of Puerto Rico Project
Critical Consciousness for Diversity and Equity:
Use these reflective questions to enhance critical consciousness for diversity and equity for both educators and students.
Why is it important for me and my students to be critically conscious for diversity and equity?
How do I define diversity? How do my students define diversity? What do I need to learn? What do my students need to learn?
How do I define equity? How do my students define equity? What do I need to learn? What do my students need to learn?
How does my identity and my students’ identities impact my teaching and classroom practices? How does it impact my students’ learning and engagement?
What do I know about various aspects of identity? What do I need to learn?
What do my students know about various aspects of identity? What do they need to learn?
In developing our K-8 social studies model curriculum, we place a strong emphasis on cultural relevance to captivate and empower our students. It’s important to create inclusive spaces for meaningful dialogues where students not only engage with previous lessons but also share their unique life narratives, contributing to a collective awareness of diverse perspectives. The aim is to thoughtfully integrate the rich cultural tapestry of students' homes into the social studies classroom, mindful of the multifaceted diversity within our communities.
Cultivate authentic connections with families through reciprocal conversations that honor their cultures as invaluable assets for promoting both equity and learning. This approach prioritizes experiences that place students at the forefront, ensuring activities not only mirror their lives but also provide windows to a broader understanding of an equitable world.
One crucial context, language serves as a powerful conduit to students' diverse cultural backgrounds. Embrace a translanguaging approach, recognizing and appreciating the varied linguistic repertoires our students bring to the social studies classroom. This approach acknowledges that individuals draw upon diverse languages and language varieties, such as English and Spanish, to construct a meaningful understanding of equity and diversity in their educational journey.
Multilingual Learners:
For information on how to support English Learners in this unit, refer to the Connecticut English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards with Correspondences to the K-12 Practices and Connecticut Core Standards.
Use the EL Strategies Desk Cards (Tip Sheets for ALL Classroom Teachers) for specific questioning techniques and teaching strategies to support students’ learning.