In this article, the authors offer social studies educators a way to deepen students' understanding of civil disobedience as a democratic and nonviolent means of instigating social change. The authors explore the concept of civil disobedience from a historical perspective and examine the justifications and ramifications of each historical example.…

This theme issue looks at three historical and recent instances of civil disobedience. The first article examines the Free Speech Movement, which arose on the Berkeley campus of the University of California in the 1960s. The second article recounts the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi to free India from the British Empire. The final article explores the…

This teaching guide for high school students on the use of nonviolent resistance by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., incorporates active student participation through classroom activities and library research. After completing the suggested activities, students will be able to write an essay comparing and contrasting the…

Five "rock music as history" teaching units, each revolving around a particular socio-political theme, are presented. The themes are civil authorities, military involvements, the public education system, railroads, and representative government. (RM)

Presents a five-lesson, high school instructional unit on the ideas and activities of Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and discussion questions. Provides quotations by Thoreau and King. (CFR)

This booklet is part of a series of units designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues. The unit presented here explores questions about when people should challenge authority through a study of the Civil War and slavery. The booklet is divided into six sections. The first and last are an introduction and review…

Contends that differences in historical interpretations presented in textbooks have implications for citizenship education. Compares the treatment of the civil rights movement in two secondary level U.S. history textbooks. Concludes that selection committees should examine historical interpretation as well the amount of information about…

Asserts that the Civil Rights is the clearest and most accessible example of nonviolent resistance to injustice in U.S. history. Discusses two common misperceptions among students about the Civil Rights movement. Presents a three-day classroom activity, including a bibliography and primary source readings. (CFR)

Maintains that recognizing the contributions of lesser-known civil rights leaders in U.S. history is important because they are important role models for today's youth. Presents a lesson plan, including objectives, activities, and a bibliography on the topic. (CFR)