Freedom in Our Lifetime: South Africa's Struggle
Printed Curriculum [$25]
Downloadable Curriculum [$20]
Class Set [$12.50 ea] (10 min)
Third edition.
Overview
Freedom in Our Lifetime: South Africa's Struggle explores the dilemma faced by black South Africans in the early 1960s of how best to battle the racial discrimination imposed by the apartheid system.
The curriculum addresses the development of apartheid, the responses to it, and the decision by some members of the anti-apartheid community to use violence to protest the government's policies. This question−whether the use of violence against an oppressive regime is justified−has been discussed at length in recent years, often without a clear answer. This unit will introduce students to one instance in which violence was used, and will allow them to consider that question in the South African case.
Readings
The reading is intended to prepare students to consider thoughtfully the complexities of South African society.
- Part I explores the history of South Africa and the development of a race-based society.
- Part II discusses the effects of apartheid on individuals, and the challenges to the system of apartheid.
- The Epilogue explores the end of apartheid and South Africa's transition to a democratic, multi-racial society.
The Choices Role Play
Freedom in Our Lifetime: South Africa's Struggle presents students with the same questions that opponents of apartheid faced. At the core of the unit is a framework of the three distinct options anti-apartheid activists considered in June 1961: whether to continue using non-violent methods of resistance, develop a sabotage program, or encourage random guerrilla attacks against the government and apartheid supporters.
Lessons
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying Freedom in Our Lifetime: South Africa's Struggle contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day One involves a document activity that helps students understand racial tensions in colonial South Africa.
- Day Two invites students to consider the impact of apartheid laws on individuals through contemporary poetry.
- Days Three and Four feature a simulation in which students assume the role of advocates for the three options or of residents in South Africa.
- Day Five engages students in consideration of the use of violence as a form of protest.
- Day Five alternative has students explore the Soweto student uprisings of 1976 through testimony given at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings.
- An Optional Lesson challenges students to interpret the writings of Steve Biko.