Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Second Treatise of Government by John Locke

Subject: History, Political Science, Philosophy (can be adapted)

Grade Level: 11-12 (due to complexity of text)

Time Allotment: 3-5 days (depending on depth of study)

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to understand the historical context of John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government."
Students will be able to identify John Locke's key ideas on natural rights, the social contract, and limited government.
Students will be able to analyze the arguments presented in the text and evaluate their historical significance.
Students will be able to compare and contrast Locke's ideas with other political philosophies (e.g., Thomas Hobbes).
Students will be able to connect Locke's ideas to the development of modern democracy.

Materials:

Excerpts from John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" (focusing on natural rights, social contract, and limited government)
Whiteboard/Projector
Markers/Pens
Chart paper or handout for note-taking
Copies of handouts comparing Locke and Hobbes (optional)

Lesson Procedures:

Day 1: Introduction and Context

Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they think the purpose of government is. Write their responses on the board. Introduce the concept of social contract theory.
Historical Context: Briefly introduce John Locke and the historical context in which he wrote the "Second Treatise" (17th century England, rise of absolutism, Glorious Revolution). Discuss the key political and philosophical debates of the time.

Day 2: Locke's Key Ideas

Reading and Analyzing: Divide students into small groups and distribute excerpts from "Second Treatise" focusing on natural rights, the social contract, and limited government. Each group should read their assigned passage, identify key concepts, and take notes.
Natural Rights: Discuss Locke's concept of natural rights (life, liberty, property). How does he justify these rights?
The Social Contract: Analyze Locke's theory of the social contract. Why do people form governments? What are the limitations of government power?

Day 3: Comparing and Contrasting

Class Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion on the implications of Locke's ideas. How do they challenge the concept of absolute monarchy?
Think-Pair-Share: Provide students with a handout comparing and contrasting Locke's ideas with those of Thomas Hobbes (e.g., state of nature, role of government). Students work individually, then discuss their findings in pairs before sharing with the class.

Day 4: Legacy and Relevance

Historical Significance: Discuss the historical significance of Locke's "Second Treatise." How did his ideas influence the American Revolution and the development of modern democracies?
Modern Application: Explore the continued relevance of Locke's ideas in the contemporary world. How do concepts like natural rights and limited government apply to current political debates?

Day 5 (Optional):

Debate: Divide the class into two groups. One group argues for the merits of Locke's social contract theory, while the other argues for an alternative approach to government.
Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific aspect of Locke's philosophy and its impact on a particular historical event or political development.

Differentiation:

Provide scaffolding and support for struggling readers with pre-reading activities or simplified excerpts.
Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching the debates surrounding natural rights or comparing Locke's ideas with other Enlightenment thinkers.
Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., kinesthetic learners can create a timeline of key events)

Assessment:

Extension Activities:

Students can research the founding documents of the United States (Declaration of Independence, Constitution) and identify influences from Locke's philosophy.
Students can explore contemporary political movements that advocate for individual liberty or limited government.