Deliberating in a Democracy: Religious Symbols in Public Schools

Explore the religious symbolism in A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. Once your class has read through Chapter 21, lead them in a discussion about the way religious symbols make their way through the novel, and their impact on...

Is voting in American democracy a right or privilege? What exactly are civic responsibilities? Here is a 20-question multiple-choice assessment that covers a wide range of items related to civic duty in American society.

Emphasize the difference between literal and figurative language, as well as how each adds to the plot, with a lesson on Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. Readers study the images of the pear tree, the street lamp, and...

Students consider diversity in democracies. In this democratic values lesson, students read an article titled, "Minorities in a Democracy." Students respond to discussion questions about the article.

Did you know elections only played a small role in Athenian democracy? Take a look at the fascinating origins of Athenian direct democracy in ancient Greece, and compare their political structures to our understanding of representative...

Give your class members a thorough overview of government public policy in the United States, including how government addresses problems through regulations and actions with a well-designed packet of informational texts and follow-up...

A class brainstorming session in response to the question, "�What is Democracy?�" results in a giant web of words and the concluding statement, "�Democracy is one of the few words that should not be defined by only one person."� A...

This brief overview, narrated by James Walker, traces the development of democracy from ancient Greece through the Iroquois ConfederacyÕs constitution, called The Great Law of Peace, to the present. Walker urges viewers to learn about...

Why was the prominent figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in medieval paintings commonly painted out of proportion? Discover the deep religious roots connected to European medieval art beginning in the sixth century. This video offers a...

What were the swords and banquets of being a leader during the American Revolution? After participating in a Paideia seminar on Richard Westall's painting "The Sword of Damocles," groups opt to participate in one of three activities that...