Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Subjectivity in Contemporary Society

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This part of the lesson plan is essential for laying the groundwork for students to explore the theme of subjectivity within contemporary society. Clearly defining the objectives helps students know what's expected of them and how they can connect their previous knowledge with class participation. It's crucial for them to appreciate the relevance of this topic to philosophy and its significance in understanding current social dynamics.

Objective Utama:

1. Understand how subjectivity operates in today's society through philosophical discussions about humanity and its behaviours.

2. Analyze the impact of subjectivity on individuals' self-perception and their view of the surrounding world.

3. Cultivate critical thinking skills to question and reflect on the ramifications of subjectivity in social and personal relationships.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Promote student engagement in class discussions for a deeper understanding of the topic.
2. Encourage the development of arguments and defence of viewpoints based on studied philosophical principles.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This part of the introduction is key for engaging students and prepping them to explore the concept of subjectivity thoroughly. The problem-based scenarios are crafted to encourage critical thinking about the practical and theoretical implications of subjectivity in modern society, while contextualization connects the topic to real-life and historical examples, enhancing its relevance to students' daily experiences.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Imagine a world where everyone perceives reality in the same way. What effects would this have on culture, politics, and social connections? Discuss how a lack of subjectivity might shape society.

2. Picture yourself as a social scientist in the future discovering that technology now allows the manipulation of people's subjective perceptions. What ethical and societal implications would come from this? How would it alter our understanding of individual freedom and autonomy?

Contextualization

Subjectivity plays a crucial role in shaping how we understand the world and the people around us. For instance, the way we interpret an artwork or respond to a political event is deeply personal and varies greatly among individuals. These differences are vital for a dynamic and diverse society, fostering various thoughts and creativity. Additionally, historic events like the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights illustrate the struggle to recognize subjectivity amidst attempts to standardize human experiences.

Development

Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

The development phase aims to help students apply and deepen their understanding of subjectivity in today's society through practical and interactive activities. Each activity is designed to explore different aspects and implications of subjectivity, using creative and engaging methods to inspire critical analysis and debate among students. This part is crucial for consolidating theoretical knowledge while fostering skills in argumentation, reflection, and creative expression.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Festival of Perspectives

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore how different cultures and subcultures perceive universal concepts uniquely, reflecting on subjectivity's influence in shaping values and beliefs.

- Description: Students, working in groups, will create a 'festival' representing various cultures or subcultures, showcasing how subjectivity influences their worldviews. Each group selects a central theme, such as 'justice', 'happiness', or 'success', and prepares a creative presentation (like a skit, a dance, a song, or a visual art piece) that illustrates how this concept is viewed and valued by the culture they represent.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group picks a central theme and a culture or subculture.

• Students research cultural subjectivity in relation to their chosen theme.

• Groups prepare their creative presentation, focusing on different perceptions of the theme.

• Host the 'Festival of Perspectives' where each group presents their work and explains their artistic and cultural choices.

• Post-presentations, lead a discussion about the varied perceptions and their reflection of individual subjectivity.

Activity 2 - Building Worlds

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Reflect on subjectivity's role in society and explore the outcomes of various treatments of subjectivity in an imaginative setting.

- Description: In this activity, students will 'build' a fictional world where subjectivity is treated in various ways. Each group imagines a society where subjectivity is controlled, enhanced, or eradicated, and develops a presentation detailing the laws, social norms, culture, and daily life impacts within this envisioned scenario.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of up to 5 people.

• Each group decides how to treat subjectivity in their imagined world (controlled, enhanced, eliminated).

• Groups develop an understanding of their world’s laws, social norms, and culture.

• Prepare a presentation explaining their world, its rules, and impacts on people's lives.

• Present their ideas to the class and engage in a discussion about the pros and cons of each approach to subjectivity.

Activity 3 - Divergent Dialogues

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Cultivate argumentation skills and deepen understanding of various philosophies related to subjectivity, stimulating critical thinking and philosophical analysis.

- Description: Students engage in a debate simulation where each group embodies a different philosophical perspective on subjectivity. They must defend their positions in response to scenarios posed by the teacher that challenge their views and require argumentation based on philosophical and social concepts.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students, each representing a distinct philosophy (like existentialism, positivism, etc.).

• Present scenarios that challenge each group's beliefs on subjectivity.

• Each group discusses and prepares arguments grounded in their assigned philosophy.

• Facilitate an in-class debate where groups present and defend their perspectives.

• Wrap up with reflections on the diverse viewpoints and the significance of subjectivity in philosophical interpretations.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

This feedback phase aims to solidify students' learning, providing a platform for them to reflect on the practical activities and their impact on understanding subjectivity in contemporary society. The group discussion encourages students to express their thoughts and learn from one another's viewpoints, reinforcing the value of diverse thinking and the richness that subjectivity contributes to human understanding.

Group Discussion

At the conclusion of the activities, gather all students for a group discussion. Begin by recapping the activities, emphasizing the significance of subjectivity in understanding diverse cultures and philosophies. Encourage students to share their experiences and insights from the activities, spotlighting how they recognized the influence of subjectivity in various contexts. Create an open atmosphere where students can express their thoughts and feelings on the topic.

Key Questions

1. How did your understanding of subjectivity shape your views on the cultures or philosophies you engaged with?

2. What challenges did you face in representing or debating different concepts of subjectivity?

3. How might you utilize the concept of subjectivity to better comprehend or resolve conflicts in present-day society?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion aims to solidify the knowledge gained during the lesson, linking theoretical concepts with the practical activities engaged in. This moment is crucial for students to reflect on how subjectivity influences understanding and human relationships in daily life, highlighting the relevance of the topic beyond the classroom. Through this reflection, we aim to inspire a conscious application of philosophical ideas in various life situations.

Summary

In this final segment, we'll recap the main concepts discussed about subjectivity in today's society. We'll revisit how diverse cultures and philosophies understand and express universal concepts such as justice and freedom, and how subjectivity impacts our interpretation of the world around us.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson linked theory with practice, enabling students to apply philosophical ideas to real-world scenarios and discussions. Activities like the 'Festival of Perspectives' and 'Divergent Dialogues' showcased how the theory of subjectivity plays out in various social and cultural contexts, enriching learning through hands-on experiences and active participation.

Closing

The study of subjectivity is vital for its relevance to everyday life, as it better equips us to appreciate diverse perspectives and mediate conflicts. By understanding how our perceptions are formed, we can foster a more empathetic and inclusive society.