High School Curriculum
Skip to main content Home / Resources / Other Resources / High School Curriculum High School Curriculum As the breadth of standardized examination requirements grows, international and human rights law is finding less and less room and nearly no mention in today’s high schools. To fill this gap, ASIL has created teaching modules modules designed for integration into existing history and civics curricula. Each module supplements subjects already commonly taught in high school – the drafting of the American Constitution, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Civil Rights movement – and gives teachers the ability to add a global perspective to those topics. ASIL's curricular support in these areas is grade level appropriate and assumes no background knowledge of international law. Each module provides two 45-minute lessons focused on the international law aspects of the above subjects. Each module also presents teachers with step-by-step instructions on how to introduce the subject matter into the classroom, including essential questions, concepts, and skills that inform the module, a suggested timeline for each lesson, questions for classroom discussion, potential classroom exercises, student handouts, group and individual student projects, supplemental materials, and outside resources, including internet and video materials. Each module concludes with one or two quizzes that teachers can use to test students’ retention and understanding. Making the materials come alive and demonstrating the relevance of international law to students today is a vital element of these modules, so each is accompanied by a short video featuring an expert with personal experience. Featured are Benjamin Ferencz , former prosecutor at the post-World War II Nuremberg War Crimes Trials; David Crane , former chief prosecutor for the Special Court of Sierra Leone; Donald Donovan , 2012-2014 ASIL president and counsel for Jose Medellin and Mexico before the Texas and U.S. Supreme Courts and the International Court of Justice; Richard Jackson , special assistant to the U.S. army judge advocate general for law of war matters; and Surya Subedi , UN special rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia. Currently Available Modules - click cover to download pdf Suggestions for New Modules ASIL is not currently developing additional modules in this series. However, the Society does appreciate suggestions of possible topics for future high school curriculum modules. For more information about this and other ASIL education activities, please contact communications@asil.org .
Executive Summary
The article discusses the American Society of International Law's (ASIL) initiative to integrate international and human rights law into high school curricula. The initiative aims to address the growing gap in education due to expanding standardized examination requirements. ASIL has developed teaching modules that supplement existing history and civics curricula, focusing on topics such as the drafting of the American Constitution, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Civil Rights movement. Each module includes two 45-minute lessons, teaching instructions, classroom exercises, and quizzes. The modules are designed to be grade-level appropriate and assume no prior knowledge of international law. The initiative also features videos with experts who have personal experience in international law.
Key Points
- ▸ ASIL's initiative aims to fill the gap in high school curricula regarding international and human rights law.
- ▸ Modules are designed to supplement existing history and civics curricula with a global perspective.
- ▸ Each module includes detailed teaching instructions, classroom exercises, and quizzes.
- ▸ Experts with personal experience in international law are featured in accompanying videos.
- ▸ ASIL is open to suggestions for future high school curriculum modules.
Merits
Comprehensive Curriculum
The modules provide a thorough and structured approach to integrating international law into high school education, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that includes global perspectives.
Expert Insights
The inclusion of videos featuring experts with personal experience in international law adds credibility and real-world relevance to the modules, making the subject matter more engaging for students.
Accessibility
The modules are designed to be grade-level appropriate and assume no prior knowledge of international law, making them accessible to a wide range of students and teachers.
Demerits
Limited Scope
The current modules focus on a limited number of historical topics, which may not cover the full breadth of international and human rights law that could be relevant to high school students.
Resource Intensive
Implementing these modules may require additional resources and training for teachers, which could be a barrier for some schools, especially those with limited budgets or resources.
Sustainability
ASIL is not currently developing additional modules, which may limit the long-term sustainability and expansion of the initiative.
Expert Commentary
The ASIL's initiative to integrate international and human rights law into high school curricula is a timely and necessary effort to address the growing gap in education due to the expansion of standardized examination requirements. The modules are well-structured and provide a comprehensive approach to teaching international law, making them accessible to both teachers and students. The inclusion of videos featuring experts with personal experience in international law adds a valuable real-world perspective, enhancing the relevance and engagement of the material. However, the initiative faces challenges, including the limited scope of the current modules and the potential resource intensiveness of implementation. To maximize the impact of this initiative, it is crucial for ASIL to consider developing additional modules and providing ongoing support and training for teachers. This will ensure that the initiative is sustainable and can reach a broader audience, ultimately contributing to a more globally aware and informed student population.
Recommendations
- ✓ ASIL should consider developing additional modules to cover a broader range of topics in international and human rights law.
- ✓ ASIL should provide ongoing support and training for teachers to ensure effective implementation of the modules.
