Economics and the Great Migration Curriculum
The “Economics and the Great Migration” lessons were developed with the goal of teaching the economics behind the Great Migration and the lasting impact the Great Migration had on American society. The three lessons provide a short story arc. The first lesson uses the art of Jacob Lawrence to teach the history and economics behind the early years of the Great Migration. The second lesson teaches about the Harlem Renaissance, of which Jacob Lawrence was a part, as well as the economic and societal challenges Harlem faced over the years. Finally, the last lesson studies the practice of redlining, whose impacts on neighborhoods are still felt today over 50 years after its abolishment.
The lessons engage students in thoughtful group work and discussion by incorporating primary source documents. These documents include a variety of media, including art, interactive maps, and music. The lessons can be taught independently or as a unit of study on the Great Migration. They can be used in a variety of courses but have direct connections to economics and history classes.
Download the complete curriculum unit or individual lessons (.pdf). PowerPoint slides (.pptx) are provided for the lessons that have visual content.
Lesson 1: Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series
This first lesson in the Great Migration curriculum uses the art of Jacob Lawrence to teach the history and economics behind the early years of the Great Migration.
- Lesson 1 (pdf)
- Lesson 1 Appendix (pdf)
- PowerPoint slides (pptx) for Lesson 1
- More about Lesson 1: Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series »
Lesson 2: Harlem’s Journey
This second lesson in the series teaches about the Harlem Renaissance, of which Jacob Lawrence was a part, as well as the economic and societal challenges Harlem faced over the years.
Lesson 3: The Origins of Wealth Inequality in America
This last lesson studies the practice of redlining, whose impacts on neighborhoods are still felt today over 50 years after its abolishment.
- Lesson 3 (pdf)
- PowerPoint slides (pptx) for Lesson 3
- More about Lesson 3: The Origins of Wealth Inequality in America »
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