Lesson 1: Setting the Context

Lesson 1: Setting the Context

Organizing Questions

What are civil rights?
What are some examples of civil rights violations?

Introduction

This introductory lesson sets the context for the rest of the curriculum by familiarizing students with the concept of civil rights. Students are first given a definition of civil rights and are encouraged to list some specific examples of what they believe to be civil rights. Students then compare their examples with the Bill of Rights and amendments related to civil rights. Students are then given examples of civil rights violations experienced by Japanese Americans during World War II, and work together in small groups to determine how such violations impact people on an individual level.

Objectives

knowledge

to learn the definition of civil rights
to recognize references to civil rights in the Bill of Rights and amendments
to differentiate between civil rights and human rights

attitude

to appreciate the importance of civil rights to an individual and to society
to appreciate the importance of protecting one's civil rights

skill

to work effectively in small groups
to apply principles in legal documents to specific actions

Activities

Activity 1-1: An Introduction to Civil Rights

Students discuss the definition of "civil rights" and consider the importance of civil rights in their daily activities. They also consider the U.S. Constitution as a document that describes the basic rights of U.S. citizens.