Twelve Years a Slave Lesson Plan

13th

Kind of Activity:

Mixed Media

Objective:

Students will reflect on the legacy of slavery

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.5

Structure:

Northup's story is not just an artefact of past wrongs, but part of the ongoing history of oppression and racism in the United States. Have students watch the documentary 13th by director Ava DuVernay, exploring the legacy of slavery and its problematic ties to the contemporary justice system. (It should be available on Netflix.)

Have students engage in a discussion after the film using the following questions as a springboard:

- How is DuVernay using...