This unit leads students through a deep exploration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from the history of its creation to its legacy in today’s global community.
Introduction
Lesson Series:
Lesson 1 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Examining the Immediate Historical Context
Through a timeline activity, students learn how World War II and the Holocaust shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Lesson 2 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Universe of Obligation
To prepare for a deep study of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, students explore the idea of the “the universe of obligation.”
Lesson 3 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
A Negotiated Document
By comparing multiple versions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, students gain insight into the motives of those who crafted it.
Lesson 4 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
What is a Right?
Through a close reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, students analyze the rights and responsibilities the document lays out for people around the world.
Lesson 5 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Fulfilling the Dream
Students explore the challenges and logistics of enforcing the articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Lesson 6 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Legacy, Judgment, and Memory
Students consider the legacies of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the world today and discuss how they think its success should be measured.
Lesson 7 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Universal Rights
Students question whether the rights laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are truly universal, and how time, geography, language, and culture impact this.
Lesson 8 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Human Rights and Educating Global Citizens
Students question how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights impacts the way they see themselves as citizens of the global community.
Lesson 9 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Teaching Youth the Values of the UDHR
Students challenge their comprehension of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by rewriting the document for a younger audience.
Lesson 10 of 11
Justice & Human Rights
Creating a Better World
Students devise a creative way to present their plan for pursuing the dream of universal human rights today.
Lesson 11 of 11
Holocaust
A World Made New: Human Rights After the Holocaust
Students explore the historical basis for the modern human rights movement by examining the codes of ancient societies.
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