Creating character: Justice and fairness
http://dornsife.usc.edu/vhi/creatingcharacter/lesson/justice/index.html
A lesson plan for grades 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies
In this lesson, students examine the differences between justice and fairness and are encouraged to confront discrimination in the classroom and reflect upon their own prejudices. Students contrast the accounts of Alex Stern, a witness in a war crimes trial; Manny Spindler, a survivor who recalls fair treatment by one Nazi; and Leopold Oberhard, who reflects upon revenge administered against perpetrators.
Students will:
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of justice and fairness
- Distinguish the difference between the concepts of justice and fairness
- Work with visual history testimony
- Use visual history testimony to examine examples of justice and fairness
- Define justice and be able to identify examples of justice and injustice in their own lives
- Explore their own viewpoints regarding justice and will identify steps they can take to promote justice.
Shoah provides a list of materials necessary for completing the lesson, discussion questions, links to the video archives, graphic organizers, handouts, and step-by-step instructions for how to complete the activities.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Guidance (2001)
Grade 6–8
- Goal 1: Acquire the attitudes, knowledge and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the life span.
- Objective 1.10: Take responsibility for actions.
- Goal 7: Acquire the attitudes, knowledge, and interpersonal skills to help understand and respect self and others.
- Objective 7.11: Respect alternative points of view.
- Objective 7.12: Recognize, accept, respect, and appreciate ethnic, cultural, and individual diversity.
- Goal 8: Make decisions, set goals, and take appropriate action to achieve goals.
- Objective 8.06: Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences.
- Objective 8.10: Use persistence and perseverance in acquiring knowledge and skills.
Grade 9–12
- Goal 1: Acquire the attitudes, knowledge and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across the life span.
- Objective 1.10: Verify responsibility for actions.
- Goal 7: Acquire the attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills to help understand and respect self and others.
- Objective 7.15: Recognize, accept, respect, and appreciate individual differences.
- Objective 7.16: Recognize, accept, and appreciate ethnic and cultural diversity.
- Goal 8: Make decisions, set goals, and take appropriate action to achieve goals.
- Objective 8.07: Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences.
- Objective 8.11: Use persistence and perseverance in acquiring knowledge and skills.
Social Studies (2003)
Grade 8
- Goal 6: The learner will analyze the immediate and long-term effects of the Great Depression and World War II on North Carolina.
- Objective 6.03: Examine the significance of key ideas and individuals associated with World War II.
Grade 9
- Goal 5: Global Wars - The learner will analyze the causes and results of twentieth century conflicts among nations.
- Objective 5.03: Analyze the causes and course of World War II and evaluate it as the end of one era and the beginning of another.
- Goal 6: Patterns of Social Order - The learner will investigate social and economic organization in various societies throughout time in order to understand the shifts in power and status that have occurred.
- Objective 6.03: Trace the changing definitions of citizenship and the expansion of suffrage.
- Objective 6.06: Trace the development of internal conflicts due to differences in religion, race, culture, and group loyalties in various areas of the world.
Grade 10
- Goal 10: The learner will develop, defend, and evaluate positions on issues regarding the personal responsibilities of citizens in the American constitutional democracy.
- Objective 10.01: Explain the distinction between personal and civic responsibilities and the tensions that may arise between them.
