Date of Award

Summer 7-29-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

First Advisor

Sam Brian

Abstract

As part of the coursework required for EDUC 517, I decided to address an extensive gap in my own knowledge of U.S. history: the aftermath of the Civil War and Emancipation for newly freed slaves. This work felt imperative to me because of the uptick in visible racism and violence against the black community coupled with feelings that I could not respond intelligently to racist and judgmental comments I would hear from members of my community. This project includes a researched analysis of the problematic mentalities I observed and aims to address them proactively by helping middle school students develop deeper knowledge of life after the Civil War. At the core of this curriculum is an evocative historical fiction novel which has been chosen for its ability to evoke historical empathy, its relatability to the intended age group, and its first-person perspective of life for newly freed slaves in the south. The goal of this curriculum is to raise students who are invested in not only learning but in holding onto our country’s history so that they can see today’s realities in light of the history that spawned them.

Comments

Childhood General Education

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