Caught Between Two Worlds: Mexico at the Crossroads
Printed Curriculum [$20]
Downloadable Curriculum [$16]
Classroom Set [$9.75ea] (10 min)
Eighth edition. May 2008.
This curriculum unit is also available in Spanish.
Overview
Mexico has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last twenty years. The end of one-party rule and an effort to embrace globalization have led to profound changes in Mexican society. Mexico's historical experience and unique cultural heritage continue to shape and inform Mexican society. Caught Between Two Worlds: Mexico at the Crossroads seeks to bring Mexico's national identity and history into sharper focus for high school students. Students are asked to see the world through Mexican eyes and to contemplate current Mexican choices in the areas of economic development, political reform, and foreign relations.
Readings
The reading prepares students to assess Mexico's policy choices.
- Parts I and II trace the conflict and drama of Mexican history from the pre-colonial period to the early 1980s.
- Part III explores the most pressing public policy challenges facing Mexico today.
Framework of Policy Options
The three distinct policy directions, or Futures, at the core of the unit are designed to help students clarify their thoughts about the challenges facing Mexico and, ultimately, articulate their own views. Each Future is grounded in a clearly defined philosophy about Mexico's place in the world and offers broad guidelines on fundamental Mexican public policy issues.
Suggested Five-Day Lesson Plan
The Teacher Resource Book accompanying Caught between Two Worlds: Mexico at the Crossroads contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day One contains a primary source analysis of Spanish-Aztec encounter. Teachers can also choose to examine the changing political geography of Mexico.
- Day Two engages students in analysis of the recent controversy revolving around the revision of elementary school history textbooks in Mexico.
- An optional lesson centers on Mexico's rich tradition of mural painting to introduce students to the concerns of individual Mexicans.
- Days Three and Four involve students in a simulation in which they act as advocates for the three Futures or take on the role of Mexican voters.
- Day Five asks students to apply their own policy recommendations for Mexico to pressing constitutional issues. There is an alternative lesson for the fifth day that assesses the revolutionary rhetoric of the Zapatistas.