Content Area: Social Studies

 

Index: 6.3G Grade 12 CPI 2

 

Standard: 6.3 - World History

 

Strand: G -  Modern World

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 2 -  The student will apply historical analysis to explain global political, economic, and social changes  in the 20^th century, including:

·        Growth and adaptation of Communism in China

·        Japan’s economic and political transformation and growth of East Asian economies

·        Conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East

·        The Israel/Palestine conflict

·        The impact of Gandhi and the nonviolence movement

·        Apartheid and South Africa

 

Grade: 12

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        Apartheid in South Africa. Students read about and discuss in class the struggles fought by oppressed peoples around the world to secure basic human rights. (The library media specialist can help students locate print-based and online references.) These struggles have at times involved unjust governments and at other times have involved unfair systems within otherwise just governments. Through studying the history of apartheid in South Africa, students examine an unjust government and system. They also understand the forces that created such a system and caused discriminatory policies, as well as the leadership and sacrifices of great people such as Nelson Mandela, which led to political and social justice for the Black African majority.

 

·        Library Research. Using library media center materials and resources, students examine other struggles for human rights during the modern age. Draw a comparison between the “separate but equal” policies predominant in American society during the first half of the 20th century and the rule of apartheid in South Africa. In what sense were these policies similar? In what sense were the efforts of Nelson Mandela and the ANC [see Historical Note] similar to those of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference? How did they differ?

 

·        Apartheid Laws. Research the apartheid laws that were in place in South Africa before they were rescinded. Prepare a shortened form focusing on the highlights. Discuss the specific provisions of the laws regarding residence, employment, marriage, education, and lack of freedom of movement. Students review the apartheid laws and determine how they abrogated the rights and freedoms that we take for granted here in the United States.

 

·        Apartheid in Fiction and Films. Students read some of the fiction describing life in the apartheid system. The writings of Athol Fugard, Brytold Breitenbach, and Nadine Gordimer would be very useful in conveying to students the reality of apartheid and the suffering it caused. Students may also
view the many fine films that have been made about this period, including Cry Freedom, Gandhi, and The Wilby Conspiracy, an early film from the 1970s that realistically depicts the horrors of apartheid.