8.7 Continuing efforts to secure civil rights and freedoms

Week 10 

Research task: Students complete Changing rights and freedoms in Australia research activity: Struggles for human rights in the 20th Century. Students choose from three modern human rights issues and conduct a research task creating a PPT presentation or a poster. This can be done in pairs.  

Activity: Understanding the Continued Efforts to Secure Civil Rights and Freedoms

Objective: To understand the ongoing efforts to secure civil rights and freedoms in modern society.

Materials:

• Internet access

• Computers or devices for each student

• A list of websites, articles, and resources on the topic of civil rights and freedoms

Instructions:

1. Divide the class into groups of 2-3 students.

Assign each group one of the following topics:

a. The history of the civil rights movement and its key events and figures

b. The current state of civil rights and freedoms in modern society

c. The role of activism, protests, and social movements in securing civil rights and freedoms

d. The impact of laws and policies on the advancement of civil rights and freedoms

2. e. The challenges and obstacles facing the continued efforts to secure civil rights and freedoms

3. Provide each group with a list of websites, articles, and resources on their assigned topic.

4. Have each group research their assigned topic and prepare a presentation to share with the class.

5. Allow time for each group to present their findings to the class and engage in a class discussion on the topic.

Assessment:

• Preparation and quality of presentation (30%)

• Engagement in class discussion (30%)

• Written reflection on the activity and its impact on understanding the topic (40%)

Grading Rubric:

• Quality of research and presentation: 20 points

• Engagement in class discussion: 20 points

• Clarity and depth of reflection: 20 points

• Writing style and mechanics: 20 points

Total: 80 points

1. What were some of the key milestones in the struggle for civil rights in Australia after the 1967 referendum, and how did these efforts build on earlier campaigns?

2. How have different groups within the broader civil rights movement, such as Indigenous Australians, women, and LGBTQ+ communities, faced unique challenges and opportunities in their fight for equal rights?

3. What role have international human rights movements and conventions played in shaping the discourse and strategies of civil rights activists in Australia?

4. How have different levels of government and political parties responded to calls for civil rights reforms, and what factors have influenced their positions on these issues?

5. What are some of the ongoing civil rights issues in Australia today, and what are some of the strategies and tactics being used to address these challenges?