Core Lesson Plan
In Grade 11, students learn that the promotion of universal, intrinsic, and inherent human dignity should be the foundation of every political community. Deepening the understanding of the person as subject and not an object, the curriculum examines violations of human dignity in totalitarian systems, such as Fascism, Nazism and Communism. Examining these political systems, lessons such as the Power to Think provide students with the critical evaluation tools necessary to address common fallacies, biases, and prejudices. Introducing students to figures such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn and texts such as The Power of the Powerless, students are inspired to pursue intentional action in freedom for excellence in their own lives. The grade concludes with a lesson motivating students to reflect on their “why” as they identify personal goals and dreams through a mission statement.
Lesson 1
Hierarchy of Being and Human Dignity
The purpose of this lesson is to understand the special place human beings have in the world and equip students to understand the power of human language.
Lesson 2
Subjects vs. Objects
The purpose of this lesson is to enable students to accurately recognize when a political system respects or disrespects human dignity.
Lesson 3
Power to think about Decisions & Actions
The purpose of this lesson is to recognize cognitive biases in one’s personal thinking and to identify ideological persuasion.
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Lesson 4
Freedom for Excellence
The purpose of this lesson is to motivate students to take responsibility for their lives and to live within the truth.
Lesson 5
Persuasive Power of Creativity
The purpose of this lesson is to equip students with the skills to critically examine the use of art and media for ideological purposes.
Lesson 6
Friendship and Solidarity: The Solidarity Movement
The purpose of this lesson is to motivate students to promote solidarity and pursue the common good in their surroundings.
Lesson 7
Habits of Excellence: Wisdom
The purpose of this lesson is to help students act and live wisely in their daily lives.
Lesson 8
Heroism: Alexandr Solzhenitsyn
The purpose of this lesson is to motivate students to embody heroism of wisdom in their daily lives.
Lesson 9
The Mission
The purpose of this lesson is to pursue a mission of excellence while respecting human dignity in their lives.
Lesson 10
Final Quiz
The purpose of this lesson is to review the content of the whole curriculum with students and evaluate their learning.
