Unit 2: Lesson 3

 

UNIT

2

Early Centres of Power

LESSON 3: What was the relationship between rulers
and their subjects in ancient times?
 

Students will explore multiple perspectives in history by imagining themselves in the place of both ruler and subject and develop a critical attitude toward history that inspires them to move beyond their initial understanding.

Subject History / Social Studies
Topic What was the relationship between rulers and their subjects in ancient times?
Key idea In ancient times, rulers had different leadership styles to maintain their subjects’ loyalty.
Key concepts Leader
Loyalty
Oath
Protection
Punishment
Level Lower secondary
No. of periods / lessons 2 periods/1 lesson (1 period is approximately 50 minutes)
Facilities needed Sources and handouts for distribution
Prerequisite knowledge  Students should gain prerequisite knowledge by completing Handout 1: Pre-reading. This could be done for homework before the activities described below, or in a prior class period

Learning objectives
By the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ATTITUDES
  1. Explain the relationships between rulers
    and their subjects in ancient kingdoms.
  2. Define vocabulary used in primary sources
    related to these places.
  1. Use a quotation from a source to provide
    evidence for their claims.
  2. Practice close reading of primary sources.
  3. Express an opinion about the conditions
    they would have rather lived in, using
    primary source vocabulary
  1. Appreciate multiple perspectives in history
    by imagining themselves in the place of both ruler and subject.
  2. Develop a critical attitude toward history
    that inspires them to move beyond their
    initial understanding.
Download lesson plan and materials
Download presentation for the class

Structure

Download the lesson plan for details on the talks and activities suggested below.

 

1. Hook activity

Students debate the respective benefits of protection and punishment to ensure that people follow you as a ruler.

2. Vocabulary building exercise

Students link a series of words with their respective definitions. Learning these words will help them better understand the 2 sources used in the next activity.

3. Close reading activity

In groups, students analyse 2 ancient texts on the relationship rulers expected between their subjects and themselves.

4. Reflection

The reflection allows students to revisit their initial response in the Take a stand activity with new knowledge from the sources, as well as from a new perspective – as a subject rather than a ruler of the kingdom.

Quiz Yourself (for teacher)
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