THE WEST AND THE WORLD (CHY4U)

 

Seminar assignment – “The Salon” – 10%

 

You are invited to the Salon of ________________________to express your thoughts, opinions, and intellectual ideas on issues important to the intellectual climate of europe.

 

In understanding the developments in intellectual thought in europe, the role of the salon of the eighteenth-century is primary among the many venues promoting change.

 

  1. Each student will choose ONE thinker or historical figure of the enlightenment.
  2. Students will work in pairs to research one individual. Please note that the research component will be done in pairs but each person will perform in the salon individually.
  3. There will be 2 days designated for the salon performances. Each pair will consist of the ‘character-in-role’ and a protege. Each student will participate in both roles.

 

The host of the salon (the teacher) will provide one primary source for each research group related to the topic chosen. All other research materials will be the responsibility of the research group. On the day of the seminar, students will dress and behave appropriately according to the time period and the character chosen.

 

A.               Thinkers/Historical Figures

Choose ONE of the following:

 

Jean-Jacques Rousseau     Francois-Marie arouet de Voltaire

Baron de montesquieu         David Hume  Olympe de Gouges

Marquis de Condorcet         Marquise du Chatelet

Frederick the Great              Catherine the Great

John Locke                             Edmund Burke                     Freemason

Thomas Hobbes                          Cesare Beccaria          Adam Smith

Beethoven                                     Denis Diderot                             Robespierre

                                                              

B.               Stages

1.      character and Primary Source Reading assigned

2.      Students come to class prepared with a biography and  secondary source(s) to complete an organizer to be submitted as part of the evaluation

3.      Students given an opportunity to share ideas with other characters in preparation for the performance

4.      Salon (Date to be announced)

             

C.               Topic of Discussion (note: 15 per group max.)

 

How is “progress” defined? How does one improve society?

 

 

 

THE WEST AND THE WORLD (CHY4U)

 

Stage two – “salon” seminar

 

Rationale: to help you organize your primary and secondary sources effectively in order for you to be successful in the seminar.

 

Directions: read the questions below Carefully. Using your primary and secondary sources, complete the questions below with your partner. This will be submitted as part of your evaluation.

 

Read over the materials that you have collected about your character. This must include a biography, secondary sources, and the primary source provided.

 

  1. How has the personal life of the chosen character shaped their views and thinking? (Use 4-5 specific examples to make your argument)

 

     Hint: Examine his/her biography in relation to their views and

                 perspectives on issues. Note key dates, events, and

                 people.

 

 

  1. What is the significance of this individual?

 

a)     how did they impact the intellectual climate of their time? (how did they contribute to or take away from enlightenment thought?)

 

b)     How did their thoughts impact society? (How did others react/respond to his/her ideas?, Was he/she responsible for improvements or changes in society?)

 

 

  1. identify five main points of concern according to the chosen character. (this may require some extrapolation)

 

Hint: ‘Concerns’ may include class structure, crime and

             punishment, race relations, economy, government, etc.

 

4.      Create a chart that outlines the five concerns, their root causes, and the possible solutions proposed by the character.