Lesson 1: China, Power, and the Limits of Accountability

Why does global power change how human rights violations are addressed?

People’s Republic of China
Crimes against humanity
State sovereignty
International law
Global interdependence
Selective enforcement
Authoritarian governance

D2.His.4.9-12: Analyze complex and interacting factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras

D2.Civ.2.9-12: Analyze the role of citizens in the U.S. political system, with attention to international norms and responsibilities

D2.Civ.13.9-12: Evaluate public policies in terms of intended and unintended outcomes

Students analyze cause-and-effect relationships, evaluate institutional limitations, and interpret real-world political constraints, all core skills emphasized in evidence-based reading and analytical writing tasks.

This lesson introduces the China unit by framing the case as fundamentally different from previous units due to scale, power, and economic influence. Students explore how international law functions in theory versus practice when the accused state is a global superpower.
Purpose is to establish analytical framing rather than detail specific violations.
DOK: 2–3

Students connect global manufacturing, technology, and trade relationships to political decision-making, recognizing how everyday consumer behavior links to international silence or restraint.

Belief that international law is applied equally to all countries

Assumption that lack of intervention implies lack of evidence

Confusion between criticism of a government and criticism of a people or culture

Guided note structure for students who need organizational support

Think-pair-share to allow verbal processing before whole-class discussion

Extension prompt for advanced students comparing China to earlier case studies

Exit reflection responding to the guiding question using evidence from class discussion and notes.

• Class notes slide deck

• Excerpts from UN human rights frameworks

• Background map and timeline of modern China

• Short contextual overview of China in the global economy