Goals: - To gain an understanding of the impact September 11, 2001 has had on attitudes towards immigrants in the United States
- To gain an understanding of the impact September 11, 2001 has had on attitudes towards immigrants in Minnesota
- To learn about challenges facing immigrants since September 11,2001
Objectives:
- Students will learn about social and legal challenges facing immigrants in the United States since September 11, 2001.
- Students will look at recent issues related to refugees and immigrants in Minnesota.
- Students will learn about bias and explore ways in which they can respond when confronted with hateful and hurtful speech or actions.
- Students will learn about the controversy surrounding government legislation in the War on Terror and its impact on Arab and Muslim communities.
Materials:
Suggested resources: See list at the end of Handout #1: "Background Information for Teachers"
Time frame: Six to eight class periods
Age level: High school-adult Vocabulary: citizenship, nativist, bias, stereotype, discrimination
Relevant Subject Areas and Connection to Minnesota High School Standards: Inquiry and Research:
- Inquiry and Research: History Through Cultures, World History and Cultures
Setting the Stage: In the previous lessons, especially Lessons Five, Six, and Eight, the class learned how immigrants can sometimes be targeted or blamed for large scale problems in a state or nation, such as the economy, living conditions, or even political problems. This lesson will examine recent issues related to immigrants, with a particular focus on Minnesota. The teacher should read Handout #1: “Post September 11 Background Information” before teaching this lesson. You may also wish to have students read some or all of Handout #1