Star Wars: Decoding Colonization
humanitieshs

Star Wars: Decoding Colonization

Step into the galaxy far, far away. We'll explore how Star Wars isn't just about lightsabers and space battles—it's a lens into understanding colonization and oppression. From the rise of empires to the struggles of rebel alliances, we'll dissect how Star Wars mirrors real-world systems of power and control.

Introduction

Step into the galaxy far, far away. We'll explore how Star Wars isn't just about lightsabers and space battles—it's a lens into understanding colonization and oppression. In this project-based class, you'll sharpen your writing, reading, and research skills to uncover the hidden messages behind the iconic imagery of Star Wars. From the rise of empires to the struggles of rebel alliances, we'll dissect how visual cues in Star Wars mirror real-world systems of power and control. 

Important Information: This expedition is the Cycle 1 ELA/World History B expedition option

Essential Questions

  • What is the purpose and driver of colonization and imperialism? 

  • Why does resistance to colonization either succeed or fail? 

  • What have been the lasting effects of colonization in our present day? 

  • How is art an effective tool for resistance?

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the drivers of imperialism and how the interplay of greed, power, and race shapes colonization.

  • Analyze historic resistance to colonization, examining successes and failures.

  • Analyze the lasting impacts of colonization through specific and global contexts.

  • Create research questions and topics, assess sources of information, and synthesize their findings.

  • Use writing to process information and refine their understanding of what they learn.