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African American Experience in France

Lesson Author
Peuster, Brad
Course(s)
American History
Required Time Frame
Two days
Subject(s)
African-American History
World War I
Grade Level(s)
12
Lesson Abstract
Students will read a variety of materials from articles on the topic to a letter home from an African American Soldier about his time in France.
Description
  • This will be an enrichment lesson done once a general understanding of World War I is established.
  • Front loading the students will watch Episode 2- The Gift of Ken Burns Documentary video for the JAZZ serious ( student note taking how African Americans were treated and what did the Europeans take away from the  African American)
  • Students will read a variety of materials from Articles on the topic to a letter home from an African American Soldier about his time in France
Rationale (why are you doing this?)

For the students to be able to explain how African Americans were able to spread the American Culture.

Lesson Objectives - the student will

Students will develop an understanding of the different ways race are treated

Students will be able to explain the significance of why the spreading of Jazz and Culture around Europe is important

District, state, or national performance and knowledge standards/goals/skills met
  • Key Concepts and Understandings 9-12.WH.5.PC.D
  • Key Concepts and Understandings 9-12.WH.5.PC.D
Secondary materials (book, article, video documentary, etc.) needed

Ken Burns Documentary Episode 2-The Gift

Chapter 1- Pairs Noir Paris Noir

Kansas City Star Article of Black Soldiers during WWI

Primary sources needed (document, photograph, artifact, diary or letter, audio or visual recording, etc.) needed

African Americans in France

A Black Sergeant Letter   Sergeants Charles Isum Letter

Fully describe the activity or assignment in detail. What will both the teacher and the students do?

Homework- Read Chapter 1-Paris Noir

Watch Video Day one and get a more general  sense of the African American Experience in World War I

In class readings- Sergeant Isum reading and  Library of Congress Blog Reading. Finish with writing assignment due next day.  

Assessment: fully explain the assessment method in detail or create and attach a scoring guide

Students will write a letter home about their time in France...they will write as an African American experiencing these things for the first time.  

I want specific examples of how life was different and why it was different?  We know life was better, but WHY? Make sure to include ways that African American are influencing the Europeans that they are meeting also.

The letter must show clear examples and information from the readings and the video to clearly show that you have read and understand the material.

Letter Rubric