Lesson Plan
The Spanish InquisitionA Trial
Overview/Background: (brief history of the Spanish Inquisition)
Objectives:
- To develop empathetic attitudes and appreciation for other world cultures.
- To appreciate the role of religion in shaping the way of life of a people and the problems of religious conflict.
- To understand the history and traditions of a culture and how they influence people today.
- To develop critical and logical thinking skills and to engage in problem solving activities.
- To use and appreciate a variety of multicultural resource materials.
- To improve research skills.
- To work cooperatively in a group.
- To improve writing skills.
Materials:
- A Brief History of the Jews in Renaissance Spain
- Map
- Primary Readings: "The Trial of Diogo Henriques" and "Sources and Trial Records"
- Questions for review of primary readings
- Definitions sheet
- The Trial instructions
Procedure:
- "A Brief History of the Jews in Renaissance Spain" -- read and discuss
- Map – identify where Jews lived in Europe, their expulsions, and new homes
- Definitions – look up and write definitions
- Timelines – each student will make two parallel timelines, comparing the events in Renaissance Spain with events in the rest of Europe.
- Primary sources – what are they? How are they used? Why are they important?
- "The Trial of Diogo Henriques" and "Sources and Trial Records" – Read together, paraphrase, answer questions, discussion. (see discussion questions)
- Student composition and enactment of Inquisition trials
Evaluation:
- Complete map, definitions, timelines.
- Discussions and essay about the primary readings and their relevance in history and today.
- The script and performance of the original trial enactment.
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