About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of how we respond to the needs of refugee communities. With the example of King Najashi (in the 7th century Kingdom of Aksum, modern Eritrea), students an historical instance of a national leader extending compassion to a refugee community. Students examine contemporary examples of national leaders who do and do not demonstrate care to refugee or immigrant communities. To close the inquiry, students consider how local activist take actions related to refugee populations with the example late hip-hop artist and activist Nipsey Hussle whose father was an Eritrean refugee. By connecting a historical example to a modern context, students use world history to construct an argument and take informed action around the compelling question: When should refugees be allowed refuge?

Compelling Question

When should refugees be allowed refuge?

Staging Question

Students construct a class definition of the concept pastoral care.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: When should refugees be allowed refuge? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that evaluates the way leaders care for refugees, using a lens of “pastoral care.” Use specific claims and relevant evidence from historical and contemporary sources, while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Engage in a local indigenous deliberation (public deliberation) about policies towards refugee/immigrant communities.

Taking Informed Action

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