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Lesson

The Enlightenment and Social Contract Theory

Guiding question

What were the major ideas of the Enlightenment?

Grade
8–12
Published
Apr 6, 2022
A portrait of Thomas Hobbes, an Enlightenment Thinker who believed that human nature was essentially corrupt

Guiding Questions:

  • What were the major ideas of the Enlightenment?
  • How did the Enlightenment influence the United States’ Founding?

Objectives:

  • Students will identify the Enlightenment and ideas of three major Enlightenment thinkers: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
  • Students will analyze how these thinkers influenced the language of the Declaration of Independence.

Materials

Student Materials

Teacher Resources

Lesson Components

Activity“Stranded!”: A Short Story
ActivityEnlightenment Vocabulary and Ideas
ActivityEnlightenment Thinker Quotations
EssayBackground Essay: The Enlightenment and Social Contract Theory
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Lesson plan

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More Information

Facilitation Notes: For students who need additional scaffolding in vocabulary and reading comprehension, this lesson plan suggests completing the “Stranded!” story as preparatory work along with the essay and accompanying organizer in class. Stronger readers can complete the essay and accompanying organizer for homework and begin class with the “Stranded!” story. If time or reading level is a concern, use the starred* quotes in the Enlightenment Thinker Quotations activity. Students will consult Appendix A: Founding Principles and Civic Virtues Organizer and Appendix B: Being an American Unit Graphic Organizer from the first lesson in this curriculum.

Standards

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Related materials

A portrait of John Locke, an Enlightenment Thinker who believed that humans were rational beings
EssayBackground Essay: The Enlightenment and Social Contract Theory
Educational material discussing the Enlightenment and key thinkers, including Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
ActivityEnlightenment Vocabulary and Ideas
Document titled "Lesson 3: The Enlightenment and Social Contract Theory" with questions and discussion points highlighted.
ActivityEnlightenment Thinker Quotations
A portrait of Thomas Hobbes, an Enlightenment Thinker who believed that human nature was essentially corrupt
LessonThe Enlightenment and Social Contract Theory

What were the major ideas of the Enlightenment? How did the Enlightenment influence the United States’ Founding?

A portrait of Thomas Hobbes, an Enlightenment Thinker who believed that human nature was essentially corrupt
Educator ResourceAnswer Key: The Enlightenment and Social Contract Theory
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