SAC Lesson Plan

Teacher: Javier Deleon

Title: U.S foreign policy during the cold war

Subject: U.S History

Grade Level: High school 11-12

§113.41 (2)(c)(8)( D) explain reasons and outcomes for U.S. involvement in foreign
TEKS: countries and their relationship to the Domino Theory, including the Vietnam War;

 defend an interpretation using evidence.

 respect multiple viewpoints.
Learning Objectives:  learn how to build consensus
 Develop critical thinking skills by considering the
 Take a position on either for or against U.S foreign affairs during the cold war

 Should the United States have tried to contain communism?

Essential Question(s):

Essential Vocabulary: Domino Theory, containment, Cold War, , foreign policy, interventionism, Truman doctrine

 Drawn History: What is Domino Theory? | History - YouTube

 Digital inquiry group. The Cold War | Digital Inquiry Group

Resources/Materials:

- The Truman Doctrine (Excerpted from Original)

- Soviet Ambassador Telegram (Excerpted from Original)
Procedures:
What is Domino Theory? video to provide an overview of the Domino Theory
Time: 5
and its relevance to U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era.
min

Researching
 Divide the class into two groups: Group A (supporters of U.S. Time:
intervention) and Group B (critics of U.S. intervention). 10 min
 Students in group a and b will have different materials. Group a will
analyze the Truman Doctrine (Excerpted from Original). Groupe B will
analyze the soviet ambassador telegram (excerpted from the
original)
 In their groups, students research and analyze the reasons for U.S.
involvement, considering the influence of the Domino Theory,
containment, and other factors.
SAC Lesson Plan

Preparing their position:

Should the United States have tried to contain communism?
 Within their groups, students prepare arguments and evidence to
Time: 10
support their position on the question of U.S. intervention.
min
 Encourage students to consider historical context, policy documents,
and firsthand accounts in their preparation.

Structured Academic controversy debate:

 Group A presents their arguments in support of U.S. intervention,
citing evidence from their research.
 Group B listens attentively and restates Group A's arguments to their
satisfaction.
 Group B presents their arguments against U.S. intervention, Time: 15
supported by evidence. mins
 Group A listens attentively and restates Group B's arguments to their
satisfaction.
 Facilitate a respectful debate between the groups, allowing for
rebuttals and cross-examination.
 Abandon roles and try to build consensus as a class

Reflection and assessment:

Assessment: Students will answer one of the following questions Time: 5
 What did you learn about U.S. involvement in foreign countries and min
the Domino Theory?
 How did the SAC debate help you understand differing perspectives
on this topic?
 What questions or areas of further exploration do you have about
U.S. foreign policy and the Domino Theory?