Lesson Plans

Critical Geography: In this lesson, students are asked to explore this question: Why do certain areas or neighborhoods become distressed and why is it so difficult to rectify? A person's environment can shape what a person believes, their experiences, and life's trajectory. This lesson explores an area of Los Angeles and its demographic and economic change over time. Rates of homeownership, education, and median income were directly related to local government Propositions that were put into place. These Propositions limited opportunities for residents which negatively affected generations. Students will understand how neighborhoods, over time, become distressed, how difficult it is to rectify and how it can negatively affect populations. This knowledge can then be applied to students' local communities and current ballot Propositions.

Click the link and photo below to view the Critical Geography Lesson and corresponding Google Slides.

file:///C:/Users/garre_fymsilc/OneDrive/Desktop/C&T%20541%20Osborn%20and%20Lynch%20Critical%20Geography%20Lesson%20Plan.pdf

Critical Media: Explainer journalism is a phrase used to describe media that goes beyond explaining the 'who, what, where, and when' of a story. It reaches into the 'how and the why' of a story which can influence how people interpret events. Over time, the media has utilized this tactic to lure like-minded media consumers who want to read things that validate their viewpoints. In this lesson, students research how this came to be and the sociological factors that explain why people seek validation through media. Students are asked to consider both sides of this argument to understand why humans have a need to be protected in a group and how environmental influences can sway what a person believes to be correct. Gaining insight into their own beliefs surrounding the political polarization of the United States and understanding others is the major takeaway from this lesson.

Click the link and photo below to view the Critical Media Lesson and corresponding Google Slides.

file:///C:/Users/garre_fymsilc/OneDrive/Desktop/C&T%20541%20Critical%20Media%20Lesson%20Osborn%20and%20Lynch.pdf

Critical Citizenship: In this lesson, students are asked to examine Black Critical Patriotism as it relates to civic participation. Authoritarian and Democratic Patriotisms are also considered as well as, the 'We' in 'We the People...'. Students will explore the history of Black Critical Patriotism and its effect on society today. Beliefs that people are not allowed to question a person's patriotism or that historical exclusion of Black society in government actions do not have bearing on today's arguments. Students are asked to consider the historical context of the 'Double V' campaign of WWII and how that influenced Blacks from Authoritarian and Democratic Patriotisms participation. Students are asked to describe how the action of some today aligns with patriotism discord.

Click the photos below to view the Critical Citizenship Lesson and corresponding Google Slides.

Decolonization: This term is defined as the undoing of colonialism which is when a nation establishes and maintains its domination of foreign territories, often overseas territories. The modern United States is the most powerful country in human history. With over 800 military bases and 37% of global military spending, the United States has become the leader of a vast interconnected global system that has helped usher in an era of unprecedented prosperity and low levels of conflict. To understand America’s position in the world, and why it’s so pivotal for world politics as we know it, you have to go back to the country’s founding — back to when America wasn’t a global power in any sense of the word. In this lesson, the factors leading to foreign America's position are explored. Students are asked to formulate arguments both for and against decolonization and then must defend their argument.

Click the link and photo below to view the Decolonization Lesson and corresponding Google Slides.

file:///C:/Users/garre_fymsilc/OneDrive/Desktop/Osborn%20&%20Lynch%20%E2%80%93%C2%A0Decoloniation%20Lesson%20link.pdf

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