Deeper Discussions in World History
Supercharge classroom discussion of major historical topics, from the Neolithic era to post-World War II independence movements, using Deeper Discussions. Designed by Digital Promise, UPenn, and OER Project, this suite of lessons and professional development materials challenges students to build complex historical arguments and connect enduring concepts to their own lives through discussion.
Learn more about this collaboration and the exceptional educators behind the Deeper Discussions in World History lessons.
Deeper Discussions Professional Development Toolkit
Mapping Deeper Discussions to OER Project Courses
All Deeper Discussion lessons can be integrated into OER Project: World History. Use this curriculum map to see where each lesson plugs into your Origins, 1200, 1750, or AP® World History courses.
PD Modules
Dive into this chaptered video series to transform your discussion facilitation mindset and gain actionable, step-by-step guidance for teaching a discussion lesson from start to finish.
What Is a Deeper Discussion?
Consult this quick-reference guide to confidently advocate for the value of research-backed discussion in your social studies classroom.
Post-Discussion Teacher Reflection Protocol
Make continuous growth a habit with this 10-minute protocol that helps you reflect on your latest discussion and purposefully plan for your next one.
Deeper Discussions in World History Lessons
Weighing the Impact of Agriculture on Human Society
Activity
Weighing the Impact of Agriculture on Human Society
The shift from foraging to farming had an immense impact on the human species. But was it a positive shift?
Comparing the Role of Women in Han China and Imperial Rome
Activity
Comparing the Role of Women in Han China and Imperial Rome
How much power did women in the ancient world have? Explore the lives of women in Han China and Imperial Rome to understand how women took action to shape their own lives.
Perspectives on the Mongols
Activity
Perspectives on the Mongols
Not all sources tell the same story, particularly when it comes to the Mongols. What were the Mongols really like as rulers?
Responses to the Black Death
Activity
Responses to the Black Death
How did people treat each other during the Black Death? This pandemic exposed many unknowns, which led to some surprising human reactions.
Exploring Resistance Through the Pueblo Revolts
Activity
Exploring Resistance Through the Pueblo Revolts
Resistance is a choice—and not always an easy one. Why did many Pueblo people unite against their colonizers, yet some chose not to?
Understanding Appeasement and the Road to WWII
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Understanding Appeasement and the Road to WWII
Preventing a global conflict is a complex task—and the right path isn’t always clear. Weighing the facts available in 1938, did Britain make the right choice with the policy of appeasement?
Resistance to the Holocaust
Activity
Resistance to the Holocaust
What is needed to resist an oppressive situation like the Holocaust? And what factors prevent resistance? Explore the complex reality of human agency under extreme oppression.
Case Study of Decolonization—Ghanaian Independence
Activity
Case Study of Decolonization—Ghanaian Independence
Many inspiring people were involved in the Ghanaian independence movement. Why are some remembered more than others?
Designing Your Own Deeper Discussions Lesson
Activity
Designing Your Own Deeper Discussions Lesson
Use this step-by-step template to design a Deeper Discussions style lesson using the structured arc of on-ramp, CHQ, and off-ramp questions.