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.

Meet the Authors

Learn more about this collaboration and the exceptional educators behind the Deeper Discussions in World History lessons.

Digital Promise Site

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.

OER Project PD event: Deeper Discussions in Social Studies with Abby Reisman, Thursday, November 19 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET

PD Event: Deeper Discussions in Social Studies

Join the chat to get strategies and ask questions about using Deeper Discussions in your classroom. Dr. Abby Reisman and a classroom teacher will share these practices in action.

Deeper Discussions in World History Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many inspiring people were involved in the Ghanaian independence movement. Why are some remembered more than others?

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.

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