The Lesson Plan I selected is
titled “Dissent in Democracy” and revolves around the United States
involvement in the Vietnam War. The plan is designed for high school (9 - -12) AP
U.S.
history students. I chose this for
several reasons, first is my own personal involvement and interest in the
topic, second is the debate it can create in the classroom and lastly, because
of the amount of resources available.
The lesson can be found at
The purpose of the lesson is to
show how democracy is designed to be open to different views and opinions.
Specifically of America ’s
involvement in the Vietnam War. And it is my goal to open up my class the
varying points of view and to create debate.
As I stated in a previous discussion, I want my students to be able to
present their opinions and defend their position supported by facts.
I will first asses my student’s
prior knowledge of the War in Vietnam ,
the politicians involved and the dissent that the war caused here at home. Then
we will use the recommended material to build on and expand their prior
knowledge. We will start with a brief history of Vietnam from its French colonial
time to the present. We will then
explore the reasons that the United
States became involve in the conflict. The lesson will also include archival film
footage of the war and of protests here and also interviews and writings of
those involved including soldiers and politicians. The students will also be required to do
independent research and reading to establish their views and opinions and
finally to present them to the class.
