28 September - 4 October

This week, we make a transition from the study of Immigration in American History to that of the struggles faced by Women and Minorities in society. Even today, as inequality still rears its ugly head, the battle for fair treatment has remained constant and often bitter. Throughout this unit - which essentially will last until the end of the semester - we will examine the various minority groups, starting this week with a look at the fight women have waged since the middle of the 19th century. 

Here's what you can expect this week:

1) J#7: Consider the statement, "A woman's place is in the home." Summarize what you believe this phrase means. Is it a sentiment that still holds true in the early 21st century? Whether yes or no, please explain your reasoning.

2) In your groups, read through the fact sheet regarding women in the 19th century. Individually, highlight five of the statements, then provide a paragraph response to any two on the back of the paper.

3) We will then view "Women in the 19th Century," episode #16 of the Crash Course series. If you are so inclined, you may find print out and complete the extra credit worksheet found below. Also located below is the link to the video.

4) Using the Chromebooks, read through the article, "How the Women's Rights Movement Began." As you make your way through the reading, write down - on a separate sheet of paper - a minimum of fifteen (15) sentence-long facts/statements/pieces of information found in the article. Then answer the three For Discussion and Writing questions at the end of the article.

5) Finally, the class will take a quick look a The Seneca Falls Convention (a modified version of the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions can be found below). After reading the document together, each student will then respond to the Reading Focus questions found at the beginning. Additionally, choose any three of the declarations which you find the most important or interesting. Write a short summary for each, describing why they matter.

Next week --  Women in the Progressive Era; passage of the 19th Amendment; and the changing role of women from the 1920s through World War II