Unit 1: Introduction to Crimes Against Humanity
Duration of Days: 7
The legal definitions of crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes
Key international institutions involved in human rights enforcement
Common warning signs and escalation patterns associated with mass harm
Structural reasons global responses are often delayed or ineffective
Read and analyze informational texts using historical and civic reasoning
Compare and categorize different forms of mass violence
Participate in structured discussions evaluating global responses
Apply legal and sociological frameworks to historical and contemporary examples
Students demonstrate learning through a combination of written responses, discussion-based analysis, and a unit quiz requiring them to explain definitions, identify warning signs, and evaluate why prevention and accountability are challenging in practice.
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Duration of Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of Crimes Against Humanity | 1 |
| 2 | Origins of Human Rights and International Law | 1 |
| 3 | Patterns and Warning Signs of Mass Harm | 1 |
| 4 | Identifying Warning Signs Through Case Analysis | 1 |
| 5 | Global Response and Inaction | 1 |
| 6 | Ethics, Responsibility, and Action | 1 |
| 7 | Unit 1 Assessment | 1 |