‘Out of Many, One’ Curricula
We are creating several Out of Many One (E Pluribus Unum) History, Social Studies, Ethnic Studies and Civics curricula. Our “empowered”, non-ideological curricula centers on values found in our foundational documents, emphasizing and reintroducing the importance of critical thinking in a way that promotes tolerance and mutual respect to strengthen and develop citizens capable of leading in a pluralistic society.
As school districts debate mandating Ethnic Studies curricula in K12 programs, we have started our curricula development with a focus on providing a constructive or empowered model of Ethnic Studies as an alternative to “Liberated” Ethnic Studies.
What Empowered Ethnic Studies Teaches:
- The goal of Ethnic Studies is to increase student knowledge and appreciation of diverse individuals and communities and their contributions to the United States.
- Students will explore their own identity and the identity formation process, and how it shapes our perception of others.
- The curriculum has a particular emphasis on how different groups of people overcome historical barriers to opportunity and how those experiences have shaped contemporary issues in the United States.
- Students will discuss the meaning of words such as: race, ethnicity, stereotypes, citizenship, nationality, civic action, and equality.
- Ultimately, students will consider the universal experience of those living in the United States and how the ideals of equality as expressed in the Declaration of Independence have improved life and opportunities for everyone living and working in the United States.
Curricula
E Pluribus Unum: Ethnic Studies
Curriculum Overview
Ethnic Studies is a course that focuses on the experiences and contributions of the many different ethnic groups in the United States, addressing historical and current issues related to race, inequality, and discrimination. Students will explore the complexity of identity formation, analyze the causes and effects of historical events, and understand the impact of these issues on diverse individuals and communities. The course aims to foster critical thinking, promote multiple perspectives, and encourage respectful dialogue. In particular, this course highlights the power of civic engagement and the struggles for civil rights emphasizing how diverse communities have contributed to the growth of our nation. By examining the challenges faced by various ethnic groups throughout American history, students learn about resilience, solidarity, and the importance of working together in pursuit of a more perfect Union.
This course is made up of six units with lessons that are designed for class periods that are about 55 minutes long, but may easily be adapted for those with shorter or longer class periods. Each lesson is guided by slides which are located in the Master Slide Deck.
- Unit 1: Introduction to Ethnic Studies & Identity
- 1.1 – My Many Identities
- 1.2 – Danger of a Single Story
- 1.3 – What Does It Mean to “Fight Injustice, Not People” (Part 1)
- 1.4 – What Does It Mean to “Fight Injustice, Not People” (Part 2)
- Unit 2: Black Americans
- 2.1 – The Great Migration
- 2.2 – The Impact of the Great Migration on Art & Music
- 2.3 – Black Americans & The American Dream (Part 1)
- 2.4 – Black Americans & The American Dream (Part 2)
- 2.5 – Black-Jewish Alliance & Civil Rights
- 2.6 – Redlining and Racial Covenants
- 2.7 – 400 Years of Black American Music History
- 2.8 – Understanding History Through Music
- Unit 3: Latino Americans
- 3.1 – Stories of Arrival
- 3.2 – Latinos at the Ballot Box
- 3.3 – Stereotypes vs. Statistics (Part 1)
- 3.4 – Stereotypes vs. Statistics (Part 2)
- Unit 4: Asian/Pacific Islander Americans
- 4.1 – Chinese Railroad Workers
- 4.2 – Conflicting Narratives: Inclusion vs. Exclusion
- 4.3 – AAPI & Civic Engagement
- 4.4 – I Am An American
- 4.5 – United States v. Bhagat Singh Thin
- 4.6 – Over 100 Years of Korean Immigration
- 4.7 – Immigrants from Southeast Asia (Part 1)
- 4.8 – Immigrants from Southeast Asia (Part 2)
- 4.9 – United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike (Part 1)
- 4.10 – United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike (Part 1)
- 4.11 – United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike (Part 1)
- Unit 5: Native Americans
- 5.1 – Native Americans Choose Sides
- 5.2 – Native Americans in Media and Culture
- Unit 6: Justice and the Pursuit of Human Equality
- The Declaration of Independence
- Tolerant Thinkers
- Master Slide Deck
Curriculum Overview
Ethnic Studies is a course that focuses on the experiences and contributions of the many different ethnic groups in the United States, addressing historical and current issues related to race, inequality, and discrimination. Students will explore the complexity of identity formation, analyze the causes and effects of historical events, and understand the impact of these issues on diverse individuals and communities. The course aims to foster critical thinking, promote multiple perspectives, and encourage respectful dialogue. In particular, this course highlights the power of civic engagement and the struggles for civil rights emphasizing how diverse communities have contributed to the growth of our nation. By examining the challenges faced by various ethnic groups throughout American history, students learn about resilience, solidarity, and the importance of working together in pursuit of a more perfect Union.
This course is made up of six units with lessons that are designed for class periods that are about 55 minutes long, but may easily be adapted for those with shorter or longer class periods. Each lesson is guided by slides which are located in the Master Slide Deck.
- Unit 1: Introduction to Ethnic Studies & Identity
- 1.1 – My Many Identities
- 1.2 – Danger of a Single Story
- 1.3 – What Does It Mean to “Fight Injustice, Not People” (Part 1)
- 1.4 – What Does It Mean to “Fight Injustice, Not People” (Part 2)
- Unit 2: Black Americans
- 2.1 – The Great Migration
- 2.2 – The Impact of the Great Migration on Art & Music
- 2.3 – Black Americans & The American Dream (Part 1)
- 2.4 – Black Americans & The American Dream (Part 2)
- 2.5 – Black-Jewish Alliance & Civil Rights
- 2.6 – Redlining and Racial Covenants
- 2.7 – 400 Years of Black American Music History
- 2.8 – Understanding History Through Music
- Unit 3: Latino Americans
- 3.1 – Stories of Arrival
- 3.2 – Latinos at the Ballot Box
- 3.3 – Stereotypes vs. Statistics (Part 1)
- 3.4 – Stereotypes vs. Statistics (Part 2)
- Unit 4: Asian/Pacific Islander Americans
- 4.1 – Chinese Railroad Workers
- 4.2 – Conflicting Narratives: Inclusion vs. Exclusion
- 4.3 – AAPI & Civic Engagement
- 4.4 – I Am An American
- 4.5 – United States v. Bhagat Singh Thin
- 4.6 – Over 100 Years of Korean Immigration
- 4.7 – Immigrants from Southeast Asia (Part 1)
- 4.8 – Immigrants from Southeast Asia (Part 2)
- 4.9 – United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike (Part 1)
- 4.10 – United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike (Part 1)
- 4.11 – United Farm Workers and the Delano Grape Strike (Part 1)
- Unit 5: Native Americans
- 5.1 – Native Americans Choose Sides
- 5.2 – Native Americans in Media and Culture
- Unit 6: Justice and the Pursuit of Human Equality
- The Declaration of Independence
- Tolerant Thinkers
- Master Slide Deck
Lessons
Introduction to Ethnic Studies & Identity
In this unit, students will learn how Ethnic Studies can increase their knowledge and appreciation of diverse individuals and communities …
Black Americans
In this unit, students will explore the experience of African Americans, with a particular emphasis on resilience and achievements in overcoming historical barriers to opportunity …
Latino Americans
In this unit, students will explore the experience of Latino Americans since the 20th century, with a particular emphasis on migration patterns and how those related to …
Introduction to Ethnic Studies & Identity
In this unit, students will learn how Ethnic Studies can increase their knowledge and appreciation of diverse individuals and communities …
Black Americans
In this unit, students will explore the experience of African Americans, with a particular emphasis on resilience and achievements in overcoming historical barriers to opportunity …
Latino Americans
In this unit, students will explore the experience of Latino Americans since the 20th century, with a particular emphasis on migration patterns and how those related to …
Asian/Pacific Islanders
In this unit, students will explore the experience of Asian/Pacific Islander Americans both historically and in terms of contemporary issues …
Native Americans
In this unit, students will explore the experience of Native Americans both historically and in terms of contemporary issues …
Justice and the Pursuit of Human Equality
In this unit, students study the ideas and values on which the United States was founded …
Asian/Pacific Islanders
In this unit, students will explore the experience of Asian/Pacific Islander Americans both historically and in terms of contemporary issues …
Native Americans
In this unit, students will explore the experience of Native Americans both historically and in terms of contemporary issues …
Justice and the Pursuit of Human Equality
In this unit, students study the ideas and values on which the United States was founded …
E Pluribus Unum Curriculum
We do update the Master Slide Deck periodically, so we encourage you to check back for updated lessons and slides, which will not automatically update once you’ve made a copy.