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 the Question:
Read a quote describing power by Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi and participate in a class discussion on the meaning of the word “power.”
1
Supporting Question How have people used oppression in order to gain power?
Formative Task 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 Task 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 Task 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
Understand: Research local groups of people who may be experiencing oppression.
Assess: Develop a set of solutions that could be implemented by local institutions (e.g., government, community-based, non-profit)
Act: Invite local politicians, business leaders, or community organizers to hold a round table or panel discussion about solutions to oppression in your community.