Lesson Plan: What is the "Master Narrative"?
Contributed By
Evita North
Recognized by
CA Ethnic Studies Repository & Hub
History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools
- 3. Students interpret past events and issues within the context in which an event unfolded rather than solely in terms of present-day norms and values.
- 2. Students identify bias and prejudice in historical interpretations.
- 3. Students evaluate major debates among historians concerning alternative interpretations of the past, including an analysis of authors' use of evidence and the distinctions between sound generalizations and misleading oversimplifications.
Lesson Plan: What is the "Master Narrative"?
The What is the “Master Narrative”? lesson is designed to introduce students to Ronald Takaki and his historical analysis of American history. Students will first watch an interview of Ronald Takaki as he describes his background and inspiration for writing his book A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. After discussing key points of the interview, students will read Chapter 1 of his book and answer questions. The questions guide students through a span of historical events and experiences highlighting the histories, legacies and contributions of people of color.
This lesson compliments any Ethnic Studies or U.S. History course.
Takaki, R. T. (2008). A different mirror. Little, Brown & Company.