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Alycia Wright, M.Ed

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Social Studies

This course explores the diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial histories that have shaped the United States. Using Ronald Takaki's A Young People's History of Multicultural America as the primary text, along w/ videos and in class activities

This 9 week class looks to expand your knowledge about the many ways that diverse cultural, ethnic and racial histories have shaped the United States. We will read a short chapter each week, have great conversations & watch video clips. 

This chapter introduces the concept of viewing American history through a "different mirror," focusing on the experiences and contributions of diverse ethnic groups. It challenges the traditional narrative by emphasizing the importance of understanding history from multiple perspectives to gain a more complete and accurate picture of America's past.

Why A Different Mirror?

 Students will be placed in groups &  given short bios or stories (1 paragraph each) representing different groups (e.g., Indigenous peoples, African Americans, Chinese railroad workers, Irish immigrants, Mexican Americans, Japanese Americans). They will answer questions about their different experiences using a set of guiding questions,  create a brief summary, then share out as a group.  

Through a Different Mirror: Whose Story?

This chapter examines the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, particularly through policies like the Indian Removal Act and events such as the Trail of Tears. It highlights the devastating impact of these policies on Indigenous communities, as well as the resistance and resilience of Native peoples.

Removing the Savages

Students will watch a short PBS clip on the Indian Removal Act. They will answer the questions: “If your family was forced to leave your home by law, how would that feel? What would you want people in the future to know about it?”  Students will then choose a role where they are asked to stay in character and answer guided questions, answering using either a jam board or chat feature. 

"Voices from the Trail: A Virtual Journey"

This chapter delves into the early history of slavery in America, exploring how and why the institution of slavery was established. It uncovers the economic, social, and racial factors that led to the enslavement of Africans and the brutal conditions they endured, laying the groundwork for systemic racism in the United States.

The Hidden Origins of Slavery 

Students will be placed in small groups to complete a visual timeline activity that accounts for economic, social, legal and racial policies. We will then read short excerts from first person accounts via the library of congress website.

Voices of the Past

This chapter focuses on the continued displacement of Native Americans as the United States expanded westward. It explores the creation of reservations, the loss of Indigenous lands, and the government's efforts to assimilate Native peoples, often through coercive and violent means.

The Road to the Reservation

Students will explore modern connections by highlighting ongoing Indigenous land rights efforts (e.g., Standing Rock, language revitalization) and in a group,  research how Native communities continue to protect land and culture today.

Voices of the Present

This chapter provides an in-depth look at the daily lives of enslaved African Americans, highlighting the harsh realities of slavery, including labor, family life, and resistance. It also discusses the cultural and spiritual practices that helped enslaved people maintain their identity and humanity despite the oppressive system.

Life in Slavery 

Students will in small groups be assigned one of the following topics. They will have one person (with input/research from all) create a one page slide w/ visuals describing their topic. 
Labor: What kind of work did enslaved people do?

Family Life: How did families stay together or resist separation?

Resistance: What are examples of quiet or bold resistance?

Culture & Spirituality: How did faith, music, and storytelling sustain identity?

Themes in graphics.

This chapter explores the experiences of Irish immigrants who fled famine and poverty in Ireland to seek a better life in America. It discusses the challenges they faced, including discrimination and harsh working conditions, as well as their contributions to American society.


The Flight from Ireland

Students will break out into rooms and create a short dialogue based on one of the scenarios: No Irish Need Apply”
A family tries to find work in a new city but faces signs saying Irish aren’t wanted.

“The Ship Across the Sea”
A family deals with illness, overcrowding, and fear on their journey to America.

“A Job with a Price”
Two young immigrants take dangerous railroad jobs to send money home to Ireland.

“Brigid's New Life”
An Irish girl working as a maid struggles to adjust to her employer

Scenes from the Ship: Irish Immigrant skits


This chapter examines the U.S.-Mexican War and its consequences for Mexican Americans. It explains how the war led to the annexation of large territories and the subsequent marginalization of Mexican communities, who found themselves living in a country that often viewed them as foreigners in their own land.


The War Against Mexico

Map Work: 
“Before the War” (draw/label Mexican territory)

“After the War” (color in annexed land as U.S.)

“Voices of Change” (create 1–2 quotes from fictional Mexican Americans about their experience)

“Questions We Still Have” (list 2 questions they'd ask if they lived through this)

Discuss the question: What does it mean to feel at home in a place that no longer sees you as part of it?



Where Do I Belong Activity

This chapter tells the story of Chinese immigrants who came to America during the Gold Rush, hoping to find prosperity. It highlights the discrimination and exclusion they faced, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, and their perseverance in building communities and contributing to American society despite these challenges.

From China to the Gold Mountain

Create an illustrated  (paper or electronic) diary page from the point of view of a Chinese immigrant during this time."

They should include:

A reason they came to “Gold Mountain” (California)

A challenge they faced (exclusion, violence, low pay, etc.)

A moment of perseverance or hope (starting a business, joining a community)

A message to their family or future generations



Diary Entry

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Arts

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A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America Part 1

Alycia Wright, M.Ed

Live Group Course

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