This inquiry leads students through an investigation of Guatemala’s recent history, with emphasis on the coup of 1954, and the resulting effects that ripple into the present. At the center of this project is the question: How can we pursue justice? This compelling question is explored in the context of Guatemala’s history and the advocates who sought to address injustices since the CIA-backed overthrow of Guatemala’s democratically elected government in 1954.
Compelling Question:
How can we pursue justice?
Staging the Question:
Hold a class deliberation to create a working definition of justice.
1
Supporting Question Why did the United States give rise to and support a violent civil war in Guatemala?
Formative Task Create a list of motivations for United States involvement in the Guatemalan Civil War.
Sources Source A: President Arbenz’s Speech
Source B: CIA Officer’s Firsthand Account
2
Supporting Question What effects has the civil war had on guatemaltecos?
Formative Task Write a paragraph, using evidence, that answers the supporting question.
Sources Source A: Guatemalan Leader’s Congressional Statement
Source B: Overview of the Guatemalan Civil War
3
Supporting Question How have guatemaltecos advocated for justice in Guatemala?
Formative Task Create a presentation that explains how guatemaltecos have advocated for justice in Guatemala.
Sources Source A: Irma Flaquer’s Contemporary Newspaper Article
Source B: Rigoberta Menchú Tum’s Nobel Prize Speech
4
Supporting Question How have guatemaltecos advocated for Guatemalan justice after migration?
Formative Task Participate in a Socratic seminar after writing an evidence-based claim that answers the supporting question.
Sources Source A: Why Do Children Leave My Country?
Source B: Fleeing Guatemala Video
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence and information from historical and contemporary sources.
Extension: Write a speech that explains what pursuing justice means for a guatemaltecos, using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.
Taking Informed Action
Understand: Investigate current US immigration policies with particular emphasis on migrants from Latin America.
Assess: Analyze the rationales for these policies and evaluate whether or not they are just policies.
Act: Write a speech in which you argue for or against a particular immigration policy. Share your speech with a media outlet or a stakeholder (e.g., elected official) who can affect policy.