Founding Brothers Lesson Plan

Enlightenment and Slavery in Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

To analyze a historical document for its influences and point of view

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.9, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1

Structure:

For homework the night before, students will have researched the Enlightenment. For this activity, they will use this information to analyze Query XIV of Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, which they will have also read before class. In pairs or small groups, have students discuss how Jefferson combines Enlightenment philosophy and ideals with white supremacist ideology and a...