Unrest and Aggression: An Interwar Period Podcast
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.To what extent did the failures of post-World War I peace treaties and economic instability fuel nationalist movements and aggressive actions in Africa, India, and East Asia during the interwar period?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How did European colonialism contribute to unrest in Africa and India during the interwar period?
- What were the key motivations behind Japan's aggressive actions in the interwar period?
- In what ways did the Treaty of Versailles fail to address the concerns and aspirations of various nations, leading to instability?
- How did economic factors, such as the Great Depression, exacerbate tensions and conflicts in Africa, India, and East Asia during the interwar period?
- What role did nationalism play in shaping the events and conflicts of the interwar period in Africa, India, and East Asia?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze the causes and consequences of unrest in Africa and India during the interwar period.
- Students will evaluate the motivations and impact of Japanese aggression in East Asia during the interwar period.
- Students will investigate the failures of post-World War I peace treaties and their contribution to global instability.
- Students will explore the role of economic factors, such as the Great Depression, in exacerbating tensions and conflicts.
- Students will assess the influence of nationalism on the events of the interwar period.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsWorld Crisis Simulation
Simulate a 'World Crisis Simulation' where students role-play leaders from different regions during the interwar period. As crises unfold (economic depression, invasions), they must communicate their perspectives and propose solutions, informing the content of their podcast.Voices Out of Time
Present students with decontextualized quotes from key figures of the era (Gandhi, an African resistance leader, a Japanese military officer). Students debate the meaning and implications of these quotes, then research the speakers and their actions to build a compelling podcast narrative.Interrupting Broadcast
Stage a mock 'radio broadcast' interrupted by news bulletins from the interwar period, each highlighting a different region's struggle (Africa, India, Japan). Students then 'go behind the headlines,' investigating the historical context to create a podcast that provides deeper analysis.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Rising Sun: Japan's Expansion
Students investigate the historical context of Japanese aggression in East Asia during the interwar period, examining the political, economic, and social factors that motivated Japan's actions. They will analyze the impact of Japanese aggression on the region, including its effects on China, Korea, and other neighboring countries.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA video presentation that evaluates the motivations and impact of Japanese aggression in East Asia during the interwar period, including a discussion of the long-term consequences of Japan's actions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will evaluate the motivations and impact of Japanese aggression in East Asia during the interwar period.'Roots of Unrest: Africa and India
Students research and analyze primary and secondary sources related to the interwar period in Africa and India, focusing on key events, figures, and social movements. They will identify the main causes of unrest (e.g., colonial policies, economic exploitation, political marginalization) and their consequences (e.g., resistance movements, social reforms, political changes).Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA podcast episode that explores the causes and consequences of unrest in Africa and India during the interwar period.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will analyze the causes and consequences of unrest in Africa and India during the interwar period.'Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioInterwar Period Portfolio Rubric
Podcast Quality
Assesses the podcast's historical accuracy, clarity, analysis, use of sources, and technical production quality.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy of historical facts and details presented in the podcast.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate information, missing key details or demonstrating misunderstanding of historical context.
Developing
2 PointsPresents mostly accurate information with minor inaccuracies or omissions.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents accurate historical information with supporting details and demonstrates good understanding of the historical context.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents comprehensive, accurate, and nuanced historical information with rich supporting details, demonstrating a deep understanding of the historical context and historiography.
Clarity and Engagement
Clarity, organization, and engaging quality of the podcast presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsPodcast is disorganized, difficult to follow, and lacks engagement.
Developing
2 PointsPodcast has some organization but may be difficult to follow at times; engagement is minimal.
Proficient
3 PointsPodcast is organized, easy to follow, and reasonably engaging.
Exemplary
4 PointsPodcast is exceptionally well-organized, easy to follow, and highly engaging, captivating the listener's attention.
Depth of Analysis
Depth of analysis, critical thinking, and insight demonstrated in the podcast.
Beginning
1 PointsPodcast lacks analysis, demonstrates little critical thinking, and offers minimal insight.
Developing
2 PointsPodcast includes some analysis but lacks depth, demonstrating basic critical thinking skills.
Proficient
3 PointsPodcast provides thoughtful analysis, demonstrating effective critical thinking and offering valuable insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsPodcast offers sophisticated analysis, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking, and providing profound insights with originality.
Use of Sources
Effective use of primary and secondary sources to support claims and arguments.
Beginning
1 PointsSources are absent or used inappropriately to support claims.
Developing
2 PointsSources are used but not effectively integrated or analyzed.
Proficient
3 PointsSources are used effectively to support claims and arguments.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates masterful integration of diverse primary and secondary sources, providing compelling evidence and nuanced interpretations to support claims and arguments.
Technical Production
Sound quality, editing, and incorporation of sound effects/music to enhance the listening experience.
Beginning
1 PointsSound quality is poor, editing is sloppy, and sound effects/music are distracting or absent.
Developing
2 PointsSound quality is adequate, editing is basic, and sound effects/music are used minimally.
Proficient
3 PointsSound quality is clear, editing is professional, and sound effects/music enhance the listening experience.
Exemplary
4 PointsSound quality is excellent, editing is seamless, and sound effects/music are used creatively and effectively to create an immersive and compelling listening experience.
Video Quality
Assesses the video's historical accuracy, clarity, analysis, use of visuals, and technical production quality.Historical Accuracy
Accuracy of historical facts and details presented in the video.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate information, missing key details or demonstrating misunderstanding of historical context.
Developing
2 PointsPresents mostly accurate information with minor inaccuracies or omissions.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents accurate historical information with supporting details and demonstrates good understanding of the historical context.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents comprehensive, accurate, and nuanced historical information with rich supporting details, demonstrating a deep understanding of the historical context and historiography.
Clarity and Engagement
Clarity, organization, and engaging quality of the video presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsVideo is disorganized, difficult to follow, and lacks engagement.
Developing
2 PointsVideo has some organization but may be difficult to follow at times; engagement is minimal.
Proficient
3 PointsVideo is organized, easy to follow, and reasonably engaging.
Exemplary
4 PointsVideo is exceptionally well-organized, easy to follow, and highly engaging, captivating the viewer's attention.
Depth of Analysis
Depth of analysis, critical thinking, and insight demonstrated in the video.
Beginning
1 PointsVideo lacks analysis, demonstrates little critical thinking, and offers minimal insight.
Developing
2 PointsVideo includes some analysis but lacks depth, demonstrating basic critical thinking skills.
Proficient
3 PointsVideo provides thoughtful analysis, demonstrating effective critical thinking and offering valuable insights.
Exemplary
4 PointsVideo offers sophisticated analysis, demonstrating exceptional critical thinking, and providing profound insights with originality.
Use of Visuals
Effective use of visuals (images, maps, charts) to enhance the presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsVisuals are absent, irrelevant, or detract from the presentation.
Developing
2 PointsVisuals are used but not effectively integrated or explained.
Proficient
3 PointsVisuals are used effectively to support the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsVisuals are used creatively and powerfully to enhance understanding and engagement, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual communication principles.
Technical Production
Technical quality of the video, including video and audio clarity, editing, and overall presentation.
Beginning
1 PointsVideo and audio quality are poor, editing is sloppy, and overall presentation is unprofessional.
Developing
2 PointsVideo and audio quality are adequate, editing is basic, and overall presentation is acceptable.
Proficient
3 PointsVideo and audio quality are clear, editing is professional, and overall presentation is polished.
Exemplary
4 PointsVideo and audio quality are excellent, editing is seamless, and overall presentation is visually stunning and highly professional.