How did the anonymous individual who refused to yield to a tank during the crackdown on protesters at Tiananmen Square display the virtue of courage?

Essential Question

• Why does being courageous when faced with fear and danger matter?

Guiding Questions

• What are some possible consequences of doing nothing in the face of injustice?
• What are the risks of acting courageously?
• What are the elements required to act courageously?

Learning Objectives

• Students will analyze the story of Tiananmen Square to identify acts of courage in the face of danger.
• Students will describe the complexities of choosing to act courageously in their daily lives.
• Students will observe primary source images using critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Students will reflect on the importance of courage in a democratic society.

Student Resources

• Anticipate: Primary Source Images
• Tiananmen Square and Courage Narrative 

Teacher Resources

• Analysis Questions 
• Virtue in Action  
• Journal Activity
• Sources for Further Reading  
• Virtue Across the Curriculum  

Procedures

• The following lesson asks students to consider the virtue of courage in the face of injustice.  
• Students will engage with the story of Tiananmen Square, as they consider the question: Why does being courageous when faced with fear and danger matter? 
• The main activity in this lesson requires students to read and analyze a narrative that explores how an unknown demonstrator courageously stood up against the Chinese government. Students may work individually, in pairs, or small groups as best fits your classroom. The analysis questions provided can be used to help students comprehend and think critically about the content. As the teacher, you can decide which questions best fit your students’ needs and time restraints.    
• Lastly, the lesson includes sources used in this lesson for further reading and suggestions for cross-curricular connections.