Contextualization

Introduction to the Theme

History is not a collection of dusty facts and dates. Rather, it is a dynamic and ever-evolving understanding of human experience through time. In this project, we will delve into two major aspects of history that often go hand in hand: the historical context and the policy making process.

The historical context is the background of a particular event or time period, including the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that influenced it. Understanding the historical context of an event or policy provides us with a richer understanding of why things happened as they did.

On the other hand, policy making is the process by which governments translate their political vision into programs and actions to deliver 'outcomes' - desired changes in the real world. It is an essential aspect of governance and has a direct impact on the lives of citizens.

Relevance and Real-World Application

Understanding the historical context is crucial for making sense of the world around us. It helps us understand the roots of current issues and debates, and allows us to see how societies have changed over time. Policy making, on the other hand, is a process that affects every aspect of our lives, from the quality of the air we breathe to the price of the food we eat.

In the real world, historians and policy makers work together to shape the future by understanding the past. For example, historians might provide insights into the success or failure of past policies, while policy makers might use historical data to inform their decisions. This interaction between history and policy is especially critical in times of crisis, when the decisions we make can have far-reaching consequences.

Resources for Deepening Understanding

To help you better understand the historical context and policy making process, here are some reliable resources:

1. Crash Course: U.S. History (YouTube video series)
2. The Making of a Policy: An Introduction to Policy Analysis by Eugene Bardach (Book)
3. National Archives - Resources for Teaching (Website)
4. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Website)

Remember, the goal is not just to learn about history and policy, but to understand how they are interconnected and how they shape the world we live in today.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Historical Context and Policy Making in Action"

Objective of the Project

The main objective of this project is to enable students to explore the connection between historical events and the policies that were formulated in response to them. The students will choose a historical event, research its historical context, and then explore the policies that were implemented as a result. This will allow students to see how history shapes policy, and how policy shapes history.

Description of the Project

In groups of 3 to 5, students will choose a historical event that interests them (for example, the Civil Rights Movement, World War II, or the Space Race). They will then research the historical context of this event, paying particular attention to the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that influenced it.

Once they have a solid understanding of the historical context, students will research the policies that were implemented as a result of the event. They should try to understand why these policies were chosen, and what their impact was.

Necessary Materials

1. Internet access for research
2. Books and articles on the chosen historical event and related policies (available in the school library or local public library)
3. Notebooks or digital document for note taking and report writing

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying out the Activity

1. Group Formation and Topic Selection: Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group should choose a historical event that they would like to explore.
2. Research and Understanding of Historical Context: The group should research and discuss the historical context of their chosen event. They should try to understand the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that influenced the event.
3. Research on Policies and their Impact: Once the historical context is clear, the group should research the policies that were implemented as a result of the event. They should try to understand why these policies were chosen, and what their impact was.
4. Discussion and Analysis: The group should discuss their findings, paying particular attention to the connection between the historical context and the policies. They should also reflect on what they have learned about the policy making process.
5. Report Writing: Finally, the group should write a report detailing their findings and reflections. The report should be structured as follows:
   • Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the chosen historical event, its relevance, and the objective of this project.
   • Development: Detail the historical context of the event, the policies that were implemented as a result, and the connection between the two. Discuss the findings and their implications.
   • Conclusion: Conclude by revisiting the main points, highlighting the learnings, and drawing conclusions about the project.
   • Bibliography: List all the sources that have been used for the research and report writing.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group will submit a written report that clearly demonstrates their understanding of the historical context of their chosen event, the policies that were implemented as a result, and the connection between the two. The report should also include a reflection on the group's learning process and the skills they have developed, such as collaboration, research, and critical thinking.

The report should be written in a clear and organized manner, with a logical flow of ideas. The language used should be appropriate for the target audience (Pre 6th graders).

Remember, the goal of this project is not just to learn about a historical event and the policies that were implemented as a result. It is also to understand how history shapes policy, and how policy shapes history. So, have fun exploring the past and its impact on the present!