National Endowment for the Humanities
Lesson 2: Religion and the Argument for American Independence
Young scholars examine how religion affected arguments justifying American independence. They read and analyze primary source documents, and write an essay analyzing how Americans used religious arguments to justify revolution against a...
Curated OER
Unit Two: The French Revolution and Napoleon
Have your class define, examine, and explore the causes and effects of the French Revolution. The presentation is organized so that students will be able to take effective notes on each topic covered. Critical thinking is promoted...
Curated OER
Fight For Your Right - Leading A Revolution of Change
Students examine civil rights. In this civil rights lesson, students research human rights issues of United States history. Students then discuss their research findings and write Bill of Rights statements for the topics they researched.
Curated OER
The Evolution of Transcendentalism
Key concepts, major writers, and historical events related to Transcendentalism are explored in a student-produced PowerPoint about this movement. The presentation could be used as an introduction to a unit or as a model that class...
Curated OER
Isn't It Romantic?
Sixth graders investigate the ideas, literature, music, and art of the Romantic Movement. They apply romantic ideals to their original writing and art, analyze poetry, discuss key vocabulary, and analyze artwork from this era.
Curated OER
Ethics: Study Help and Quiz
In this online interactive philosophy activity, students respond to 13 multiple choice questions based on the analysis of Ethics by Aristotle.
Curated OER
Ethics Quiz
In this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 13 multiple choice questions about Aristotle's Ethics. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
Will the Real Ben Franklin Please Stand Up?
Students explore the life of Benjamin Franklin. In this American history lesson, students research primary and secondary documents regarding Franklin's life. Students should examine the point of view each of the accounts is written from...
Curated OER
Ink Painting And Poetry In Japan And China
Students create original Haiku poetry and paint images that depict the emotions of each poem in this high school Language Arts lesson adaptable for other curriculums including Art and Social Studies.
Curated OER
What was Newton's Idea of Science?
Students form logical foundations for analysis of observations. They improve analytic reading abilities through practice. Students investigate the foundations of scientific thought processes and how to apply them.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Developments in Democracy
Learning activity in which students study the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. Lesson includes individual, group and whole class activity in which students write, discuss and debate the role...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Enlightenment Philosophers and American Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] The lesson is designed to review the main thoughts and ideas of the Enlightenment philosophers and how their ideas contributed to the American governmental system.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: The Enlightenment Thinkers
Links to a concentration game where students must match famous Enlightenment thinkers to their ideas.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason shaped philosophical, political, and scientific discourse from the late 17th to the early 19th century. This article traces the Enlightenment back to its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, and...
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: The Enlightenment
A great essay on the Enlightenment period of the 18th century with hyperlinks to many individuals and movements of the time. A very scholarly look at the "age of enlightenment."
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Wright of Derby, a Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery
Joseph Wright of Derby's painting, "A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery", encapsulates in one moment the age of Enlightenment. View pictures and read details of this painting in this essay.
Other
Philosophe.com: Getting to Know Your Audience
Essays about understanding your audience in the development of websites. This extended discussion can enlighten the understanding the audience in writing any work.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: John Locke
The University of Groningen provides information about the 17th century British liberal philosopher. Includes concise biographical information and a link to the text of "A Letter Concerning Toleration." Read about what part of his...
Other
University of Miami: The Life of Buddha, Part I
A detailed account of the Buddha's life and teachings written from a philosophical perspective.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Philosophy and Literature: Intellectual Climate
Discusses the intellectual atmosphere in the 1800s as America struggled to find its identity. The influences of the Enlightenment and Romanticism are described, and the ideas of various writers and philosophers.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Mary Wollstonecraft, 1759 1797
From a college lecture on "The Language of Politics: England and the French Revolution," this biographical sketch connects Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797 CE) to the major political and philosophical thinkers of her time.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Jean Jacque Rousseau, 1712 1778
A good biography of French Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, his philosophical writings and his influential idea of a 'Social Contract' between people and their ruler.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Historical Influences on Morality: A Basis for Literary Study
Using this PDF lesson plan, students will get a general overview of the historical span of philosophical thought and how it may have been a product or reaction to the time period. Students will research philosophies and time periods...
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Denis Diderot
Encyclopedia entry about the French philosopher and writer. Features biographical information, including Diderot's education, philosophy, and major literary works.