The American Experience, Unit 1
Understanding identity, the American context, and civil discourse
In this unit, students will set the stage for their learning by analyzing different ways of looking at questions of identity and ethnicity, exploring the unique context of the United States in history and today, and hone their discourse skills by learning about logical fallacies and how to have civil discussions about difficult topics.
Sample Materials
Lesson Plans
Unit 1
The Question of Identity: Race, Ethnicity, and the Self
Identity Beyond Boundaries: Understanding Multiracialism in America
Character Strengths and Shared Humanity
E Pluribus Unum: The Challenges of Integrating Experiences and Backgrounds
Pluralism in Practice: The Periwig Controversy
From Pluralism to Civil Discourse Foundations
Logical Fallacies & Analysis Skills
Civil Discourse Application
Unit 1 Wrap-up (Part 1) – E Pluribus Unum: Preparing for Civil Discourse
Unit 1 Wrap-up (Part 2) – E Pluribus Unum: Civil Discourse in Practice
Teacher Resource Sheets
These resource sheets make teachers’ lives easy by giving them a comprehensive picture of which concepts to emphasize, how to clarify tricky distinctions between concepts, and, when necessary, facilitate discussions on tough topics.
Click on any of the buttons below to see a resource sheet for its respective lesson.
Sample Handout
This sample student handout is for Unit 1, Lesson 2: Philosophical Approaches to Racial Identity.
Students will use this handout as a way to better interface with the complex and nuanced concepts in the lesson.
