Grade 11 Social Studies

Unit 1: The French Revolution

September/October
Andrea Dennis
N.B. Outcomes:
1.1.1. Identify and understand the general causes of revolutions
1.1.3 Analyze elements of social conflict in 18th century France
1.1.5 Comprehend the severity of economic conditions as contributing
factors to the
revolution
1.2.2 Critically assess the significance of the French Revolution
Rational:
With the varying levels of students in this class, I intend to use simple
terms to explain the concepts surrounding this unit. The class will be
note based, but will also contain many hands on activities to help the
students engage in the material. I will use entrance & exit slips to
assess student comprehension throughout the unit, as well as a midway point quiz, and unit test at the end.
Week 1-- Course Introduction
This week we will do activities around what social studies is, and
what we will study. I will explain the concept of a historical timeline and
create one in the classroom that we will develop throughout the course
to track our progress. The focus of this week will be getting to know
the students and their English level.
Week 2-- Causes of Revolutions
The second week will introduce out topic of study, the French
Revolution. I will talk about the system of government set up in France
at the time and how it worked. We will discuss the benefits and
disadvantages of their government. I will also introduce the different
classes in France at the time and social conflicts arising. I will assign
students roles (King, Queen, Nobles, Peasants) and use these
throughout the unit to discuss reactions to events throughout the
revolution.
Week 3-- Causes of Revolutions
The third week I will talk further about what caused the French
Revolution. We will discuss the impact that the Enlightenment and how
it changed the way people thought in France and around the world. I
will also talk about farming, and how the poor harvests contributed to
growing tensions. We will also talk about events leading up the
revolution, such as the meeting of the Estates-General, the formation
of the national assembly, and the tennis court oath.
Mid-way through this week I will have a quiz to assess student
comprehension.

Week 4-- Changes in Government

The fourth week will cover the major events through the course
of the revolution and how Frances government changed. I will focus on
the trial Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I will use the previously
assigned roles to do a mock trial with the students to decide the fate of
the King and Queen.
Week 5-- Making Connections
The fifth week will be spent drawing connections between the
French Revolution and modern day issues. The focus question will be
To what lengths should a democracy go to defend the state? We will
engage in open discussions surrounding this idea. We will also review
and prepare for a test at the end of the week.