Teaching with Testimony

USC Shoah Foundation’s “Teaching The Promise with Testimony” provides the opportunity for educators and students to build deeper conversations in the classroom about topics such as discrimination, genocide and resilience, among others highlighted in the film. With testimony-based resources offered on the educational online platform, IWitness, educators can use theclassroom-ready activities and clips of testimony from witnesses and survivors of the Armenian Genocidethat go beyond the film to extend student knowledge about this period in history and foster agency to act responsibly in present day society. #keepthepromise

 

The Promise: Before Viewing the Film

Grade Level: 
9 – 12

Subject Areas: 
History, Genocide Studies, World History, Armenian Genocide

The Promise, is a work of historical fiction that presents an introduction to the multi-perspective history of the Armenian Genocide. This activity builds student historical understanding before they view the film. Students will gather information about the historical context the film portrays by analyzing primary and secondary sources to prepare for the full viewing of the film.

The Promise: Analyzing the Historical Context

Grade Level: 
9 – 10

Subject Areas: 
Character Education, Social Studies, History, Civics & Government, English Language Arts, Holocaust & Genocide Studies, World History

This activity will have students explore the historical context of The Promise by having them identify cultural, political, economic, social, and geographical factors that play a role to influence the events in the film. Students will develop an inquiry about a significant topic related to one of the factors and will research primary and secondary sources to build their historical knowledge. As a result of this activity, students will build a video essay that shares their findings and reflects their analysis of how knowledge of this history informs their understanding of humanity and current day events.

The Promise: After the Film

Grade Level:
9 – 10

Subject Areas:
History, English Language Arts, Ethics, Genocide Studies, World History, Armenian Genocide

After students have viewed the 2016 film, The Promise, this activity will have them identify the key theme(s) conveyed in the film. As they move through the activity, students will discover the importance of global recognition and memorialization of the Armenian Genocide by acknowledging the legacy and memory this history carries. By the end of this activity, students will reflect on their personal responsibility in society to be stronger than hate.

Additional Resources on IWITNESS

Visit IWitness to access more classroom-ready resources designed to further support educators who use The Promise in their classroom.