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History of Power

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About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the ways in which people gain and exercise power. Power is a social phenomenon that comes in many forms. However, it is often the case that the ways that people achieve power helps to determine how that power is used. Although this compelling question is broad, the inquiry focuses on Latinx history. This strategic use of sources is particularly useful in showing the ways that some minority groups in the United States have experienced and pursued power in many different ways.

Compelling Question

What does it mean to be powerful?

Staging Question

Read a quote describing power by Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi and participate in a class discussion on the meaning of the word “power.”

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Supporting Question

How have people used oppression in order to gain power?

Formative Tasks

Create a detailed list of ways that people have used oppression to gain power.

Sources

Source A: “Destruction of the Indies”
Source B: “Keep Eye on Border Mexican”
Source C: “US Deported a Million of Its Own Citizens…”

2
Supporting Question

How have people used collective action to gain power?

Formative Tasks

Create a detailed list of ways that people have used collective action to gain power.

Sources

Source A: “50 Years Later: Remembering the Delano Grape Strike”
Source B: “A Day without Latinos”

3
Supporting Question

How have people used individual action to gain power?

Formative Tasks

Create a detailed list of ways that people have used individual action to gain power. Write a persuasive claim that answers the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: “Gloria Estefan on Bringing Latin American Music to the World”
Source B: “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Campaign Ad”
Source C: “The Real Sonia Sotomayor”

Summative Performance Task

Argument: What does it mean to be powerful? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that answers the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Research an historical individual and create a slideshow, poster, or textbook entry that details the methods that person became powerful.

Taking Informed Action

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