Counter-narratives to traditional historical interpretations provide an opportunity for students to explore other voices, frequently those who have been historically marginalized or left out of the story. Counter narratives are told by those on the margin who are empowered in the process of telling their own story.
Essential Question: Whose Story Is It?
Lesson 1 - Counter-Narratives to the Crusades: Lesson 1
Summary: In this lesson, students will begin by discussing what the term, counter-narrative, means. Then, students will reflect on what they know of the Crusades thus far.
Lesson 2 - Counter-Narratives to the Crusades: Lesson 2
In this lesson, students will discuss the way the Crusades have traditionally been taught. They will do this by reviewing their textbooks and filling out a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast different sources and their points of view.
Lesson 3 - Counter-Narratives to the Crusades: Lesson 3
In this lesson, students will carefully consider primary sources from Muslims, as well as secondary sources discussing Muslim perspectives of the Crusades, comparing and contrasting these accounts with those from their textbooks. This will help them come to a deeper understanding of the Crusades.
Lesson 4 - Counter-Narratives to the Crusades: Lesson 4
In this lesson, students consider their deeper understanding of the Crusades, based on primary and secondary sources including Muslim perspectives, to rewrite their textbook’s section about the Crusades.
We appreciate the assistance of the Middle East Studies Center at Portland State University.
Essential Question: What were the causes and effects of the escalation of hostilities leading up to and following Mexican American War?
Lesson 1 - From the US Perspective
The conflict between the US and Mexico from a US perspective. This tells the story of an ambush "on American soil" where President Polk responded to the attacks through a declaration of war. Following the war a "fair price" was paid for the land west of Texas, close to doubling the size of the US at this time.
Lesson 2 - From the Mexican Perspective
The same story from Lesson 1 but with the perspective changed. The US following the brazen annexation of Texas follows up with this act by moving troops to the Rio Grande with order to engage any Mexican forces they find there. This invasion of Mexican land lead to the war, which cost the Mexican people half of their land for pennies on the dollar.