Unit Guide

This middle school social studies unit encourages students to use the arts to express knowledge of the ways people use creative expression to take a stand against injustices. The unit begins with a case study where the students analyze photos, songs, poems, and drama relating to the Chicano Movement and Dia de los Muertos. Through this historical example, they will develop skills in analyzing different art forms to appreciate the layers of complexity involved in the creation of them they will also gain an understanding of the role of the arts in social justice issues. To make a personal connection to the unit, the students will decide on a social justice issue that is most important to them and create photos, songs, poems, and dramatic performances to promote their cause and take a stand against an injustice that they have faced, are facing, or an issue they want to help others in facing. They will share their art at a “Taking a Stand for Social Justice Social” held in the school cafeteria as a forum for talking about the arts and the injustices expressed by the art pieces.